Following a car accident, the actions and decisions you make might impact the outcome of your claim and the compensation you receive. Here are important steps to follow after a catastrophic car collision.
Notify the cops
Remain at the site and call the cops. When they arrive, give them your version of events for a police report. Get the responding officer’s badge number, name, and department. The police report is usually available a few days later. Obtain a signed copy for your records. If you are harmed and unable to acquire a police record, your lawyer can assist you. The report will include the date, time, and location of the car accident, as well as the officer’s evaluation of the occurrence. This may be useful evidence for you.
Collect and store proof
An automobile accident scene may contain debris from the involved vehicles, clothing torn or bled, tire skid tracks, etc. If you or someone else can, take photos and video of the crash site documenting the vehicles’ positions. Obtain other parties’ information, such as driver’s license, insurance, license plate number, and contact information. Talk to any witnesses if you can. These people may scatter immediately after the disaster, so speak to them straight away and acquire their contact information.
Eyewitness stories can help confirm your statements throughout the investigation. The automobiles themselves are important physical evidence that must be maintained. In such circumstances, a crash reconstruction expert will often gather all the facts to successfully explain why or how the incident occurred. Writing a spoliation letter to the necessary parties can help preserve critical evidence. This helps prevent evidence from being misplaced, lost, or destroyed following an automobile accident.
Get medical help right away
If you are harmed, accept care and request transport to the nearest hospital or emergency department. Even if you don’t think you’ve been seriously hurt, our automobile accident attorneys advise you to see a doctor. Whiplash, for example, is a common vehicle accident injury that takes days or weeks to appear. Getting medical help quickly improves your chances of recovery and creates a record of your injuries and treatment. Then you won’t have a “treatment gap” working against you.
Be cautious in your words
Call your insurance carrier and report the accident. However, you should not speak with the opposing party’s insurance company or adjusters. Remember that whatever you say can be used against you. Don’t discuss the incident online or on social media (i.e., written posts, photos, or videos). They can be used against you. It’s advised to avoid using social media or other online services until your case is decided.
Contact a personal injury lawyer
If you have been harmed, you must hire a skilled accident injury lawyer. And if things are more complex, you might want to look for something more special, like an Indianapolis premises liability attorney. Many injured accident victims are forced to miss work while they heal, resulting in significant financial loss. Automobile collisions cause mental and financial stress on victims as well as their relatives. You need an advocate who will fight for your rights and expedite the process so you can collect the money you deserve.