Getting into a car accident can be a frightening experience.
Make sure all passengers and drivers are uninjured before moving any vehicles. If possible, move the vehicles to a safe place out of traffic.
Get the Other Driver’s Information
Getting the other driver’s information is critical to the success of your car accident claim. However, you should avoid speaking to the other driver’s insurance representatives if possible. Their job is to help their company pay out as little as possible, and any information you give them could be used against you in court.
If it is safe, take pictures of the scene and any damage. Then, try to get the other driver’s license plate number, name, and phone number. The police can use that information to track down the driver if they don’t arrive at the crash scene. Obtain witnesses’ names and contact information as well, if safe to do so.
Call the Police
There are many reasons why it is essential to call the police. For one thing, it ensures that law enforcement will thoroughly investigate the accident. They will talk to eyewitnesses, examine the vehicles and look for any physical evidence at the crash scene. They will also prepare an official police report.
When the officer arrives, be polite and answer their questions to the best of your ability. However, remember that anything you say could be used against you later in an insurance claim or lawsuit.
Please get the name and badge number of the officer on the scene. It would be best to ask the officer for guidance on acquiring a copy of the official accident report.
Take Photos
Take as many photos as possible of the accident scene as soon as it is safe. This will provide your attorney with a solid foundation for understanding how your crash happened, which may be relevant to your compensation in a case.
Please ensure to take pictures of the damage caused to your vehicle and any personal property that may have been lost or damaged, such as a laptop computer or purse, as a result of the accident. It’s essential to get close-up shots of damage and take photographs from a distance for context. It would be best if you also tried to capture images of skid marks on the road, as these can tell a story about when a driver engaged their brakes. Lastly, it’s important to photograph any injuries you or your passengers may have sustained. This will help your accident attorney Jersey City NJ understand the severity of your injuries and how they have developed over time.
Exchange Insurance Information
A car accident can be a terrifying experience that leaves you shaken and confused. In many cases, victims are more concerned with getting medical help for their injuries and less focused on the fact that they could be hit with huge repair bills and other financial costs.
See a Doctor
Regardless of how minor the crash may have seemed, it is essential to see a doctor. If you go to an urgent care clinic, it’s even better since they have longer clinical hours and don’t require an appointment.
Bodies are flooded with adrenaline immediately after a car accident, which can mask pain and symptoms. But that doesn’t mean they aren’t there, and waiting to see if an injury shows up can lead to serious long-term consequences.
It is also important to note that medical records documenting injuries are much more helpful if issued shortly after the accident. The longer you wait, the less likely you’ll be able to get compensation for your injuries. This is why most medical and legal professionals immediately recommend seeking medical care.
