If you or your family members have been victims of a car accident due to the negligent actions of others, don’t wait for things to get better on their own. These types of incidents are no joke and should not be taken lightly. Report to the authorities immediately and file a legal claim to sue the responsible individual and their concerned insurers with the help of a lawyer. Read on to learn more about how to act and what one must do in cases of a car crash.
After being involved in a car accident, one must focus on their health and seek medical attention—that’s the number one priority. You may wonder who to consult, whether to discuss with the defending party, settle the argument then & there, or take your case in court. Nonetheless, whatever option you choose, keep the following 10 things in mind when pursuing a lawsuit after a car accident.
Follow this 7-step guide after the car accident:
- The most important thing after an accident is to visit a doctor to identify any fatal injuries and further treatment. Even if you don’t feel injured and see no visible scratches, numbness, or wounds, still see a doctor. Your adrenaline may be masking internal injuries that can become severe later on if neglected. It’s better to be safe than sorry. Furthermore, if you don’t seek medical attention, the defendant’s insurers may argue that no severe damage or injuries were inflicted because of the accident, reducing your total payout compensation.
- Once you have assessed your physical condition and injuries, exchange important information with the other driver. Get details like cell number, full name, insurance info, address, license status, license number, and the driver’s overall condition. If you are badly injured or are not in the condition to do so, at least obtain the responsible person’s name and number. These details will be essential while filing a personal injury claim.
- Call the police or 911 to report the accident and tell the investigating officer your story. Make sure you don’t exaggerate the details; just tell the facts as they are, and don’t speculate on things you don’t know, as everything you say will be recorded as a statement. Obtain a copy of your filed police report; later, this will help you to keep a verifiable record of the accident.
- Gather necessary evidence; take clear snapshots of your visible injuries, damaged vehicles, and the site of the incident. Contact present witnesses, get their contact details like name and number, and ask them if they will be comfortable providing testimony for your claim in court or to the other liable party’s insurers. Keep tabs on the specifics of the accident; maintain a journal and take notes of everything you remember during and after the accident. Keep any damaged clothes after the car crash, as they will be taken as physical evidence to support your claim in front of the jury.
- Take maximum medical treatment after the car crash and follow up with your doctor’s appointment. Even if you feel a slight pain much later or days after the accident, inform the doctor about your condition. Most times when someone gets hit by a car, they get a minor concussion, which later on can develop into brain traumatic injuries if neglected. Therefore, a doctor will identify and determine your wounds and injuries and suggest appropriate treatment. Keep documentation of all medical records, from doctor’s appointments to medicine prescriptions to rehabilitation therapy.
- Keep all documents relevant to the car crash in a secured locker, which is paramount. Information like lost wages, potential lost income, transportation costs, property damage and its repair or replacement costs, medical expenses, and just about everything that reflects a direct result of the accident should be kept safe.
- Stay off social media. Many people don’t realize that everything—yes, everything—whether your account is personal or private, is discoverable. Things that you post online can be misinterpreted and manipulated by opposing counsel.