Protecting Yourself and Your Rights After a Car Accident: Three Critical Steps
Car accidents are stressful and disorienting. In the moments and days after a collision, things can seem like a blur. This is further compounded if you are experiencing pain, you can’t get to work because of a damaged vehicle or injuries, and/or the anxiety and mental toll after an accident is making it harder to order your thoughts and steps forward. Most frequently, our clients at Wakefield Law have many things on their mind before thoughts about protecting a potential personal injury claim to receive compensation toward medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering. It’s vital to find an attorney you trust to help work on first steps toward recovery and protecting your rights after an accident. There are so many things to discuss on this topic, but here are three critical steps immediately after an accident to make sure you are protecting yourself and your rights:
1. Take Pictures at the Scene of the Accident
Nowadays, we all have smartphones that have highly capable photography software. Snapping photos after an accident can be critical evidence for a personal injury accident claim. Documenting the scene thoroughly is crucial for providing proof should you need to make a personal injury claim to an insurance adjuster or a court of law. Here are some tips:
Take pictures of:
The damage to all vehicles involved.
The location of the accident, including skid marks, traffic signals, or road conditions.
Any visible injuries you or your passengers sustained.
Any other relevant details, such as weather conditions or debris on the road.
These images can provide an objective record of the accident, which may prove invaluable if there’s a dispute over fault or the severity of the collision.
2. Obtain All Driver Information and an Accident Report
Exchanging information with the other driver is a legal requirement and a practical necessity. Be sure to collect:
The other driver’s name, address, phone number, and insurance information.
The make, model, and license plate number of the other vehicle(s).
Remember to take photos of proof of this information – it can help later down the line!
Additionally, if law enforcement is involved, request a copy of the accident report or obtain the case/matter number. If police do not come to the scene, you may still be able to file a report at your local precinct or DMV.
An accident report can provide an unbiased account of what occurred and serves as a vital document when dealing with insurance companies or legal claims.
3. Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Even if you think your injuries are minor, it’s essential to seek medical attention after a car accident. Injuries like whiplash, concussions, or internal trauma may not be immediately apparent but can worsen over time if left untreated. Obviously, making sure your health is protected is the most important thing after an accident. Visiting a hospital or your primary care physician not only ensures your health is protected but also creates a record of your injuries contemporaneously to the accident. Be honest with your doctor about all symptoms, no matter how small they may seem. Medical records are critical evidence when pursuing a personal injury claim, as they establish the connection between the accident and your injuries.
Why These Steps Matter
Taking these steps immediately after a car accident helps protect your rights and strengthens your personal injury claim if you decide to proceed with a personal injury or property damage matter with an insurance company. Insurance companies often look for ways to minimize payouts, and lacking documentation or a medical evaluation (or even just delay in obtaining medical advice after an accident) can hurt your case. By following these steps, you create a solid foundation for any legal or insurance-related matters that may arise.
If you have questions about a personal injury claim or need legal assistance after a car accident, consulting an experienced attorney can make all the difference. Give us a call at Wakefield Law to see if we can help and help protect your steps toward recovery and repayment for injuries or pain and suffering. 703.771.9740