Of course no one ever intends to be involved in a traffic accident and suffer injuries as a result of that accident. Should you find yourself in such a situation, you must remember to act in your own best interests, because it is unlikely that your insurance company will go out of their way to help you out. Although it can be tempting to say a few choice words to the person who hit you, resist the urge. Standing around arguing with the negligent driver will hardly support the argument that you sustained significant levels of injury as a result of the accident. Failing to clear the scene of the accident in the most expedient manner possible can also lead to further accidents. If you are able, get yourself and your vehicle out of further harm’s way prior to even exchanging insurance information with the other driver.
Take Care of Your Injuries
First and foremost you must take care of any injuries you or your passengers sustained during the collision. Many people are so full of adrenaline following the car accident that they are unable to feel pain or recognize the full extent of their injuries. If there is any question whatsoever that you might be injured, take the time to be thoroughly checked out by a medical professional. While not impossible, it does tend to make your attorney’s job in recovering damages more difficult if you refused medical treatment at the scene of the accident. If you were injured, keep careful and thorough records of your medical treatments and prescription medications as they occur.
Photographs and Witnesses Can Make All the Difference
Most cell phones now have built in cameras, and if yours does, snap as many photographs as possible with it. Photographs often convey information and details that you may have forgotten or not even fully realized at the time. Juries are much more likely to be influenced by photographs of an accident, and they are also useful in settlement negotiations with your insurance company. Remember to provide context to your photographs with a large array of both distant and close-up shots of the details. You can also have another person photograph your injuries including any bumps or bruises. Continue to take photographs through the duration of your recovery including photos of medical procedures, surgeries, treatments, and equipment such as crutches, a special bed, braces, etc.
If there were any potential witnesses to your accident, talk to them immediately if at all possible. Try to make notes of their names and addresses as well as anything they recall pertaining to the accident. Anything a witness remembers can make a huge difference later on, and no detail is irrelevant. If you are able, collect the license plate numbers of cars in the vicinity of the accident just in case you are able to find a driver of one of the vehicles later who saw something in relation to your accident.
Other Necessary Evidence
Once you are home after receiving medical treatment, get a notebook and write down absolutely everything you can remember about your car accident including where you were, which direction you were driving, if there were nearby traffic signals, the weather at the time, other driver’s you noted and any statements made by the other driver, the police, the emergency personnel or witnesses. Continue to write in your notebook regarding the extent of your injuries, and the progress you make in your healing. If the accident has left you with limitations or forced you to change your lifestyle in any way, be sure and note these changes and limitations. Call the police department to find out when you will be able to get a police report, and look through your insurance policy papers so you won’t have any unpleasant surprises regarding your coverage. Preserve all evidence and retain a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Especially if you sustained serious injury or damages from the accident, you will need an experienced attorney in your corner to ensure you receive compensation for the negligence of another.