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What to Do After a Car Accident: Steps to Protect Your Rights
In the moments right after a car accident, your mind may be racing, thinking of a hundred different things. Maybe under the shock, you won’t be thinking about much at all. These are normal responses to have, but if you can – or once you can – there are things you should do to protect your rights and make sure you can recover from this accident. Knowing what to do after a car accident can have a profound effect on your future.
Car accidents can result in serious physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial losses if handled poorly. While it may feel crazy to think this, you want to follow proper procedures as best as you can after an accident. This way, you can ensure that you receive the necessary medical treatment and compensation for your losses and protect the lives of you and potentially your loved ones.
The personal injury attorneys at Scartelli Olszewski, P.C. can explain.
The First Things You Should Do After a Car Accident
#1. Seek Medical Attention
The first and most important step after a car accident is to seek medical attention. Even if you feel fine at the time of the accident, injuries may surface later on, even life-threatening injuries. Your health and the health of anyone else involved in the accident is the most important thing.
It cannot be stressed enough that not all injuries are immediately apparent. This means it is crucial to have a medical examination conducted to determine any potential injuries immediately. It’s only after you and your passengers know you are fine that you should worry about anything else. Thankfully, after you know you are physically able, you can immediately collect your medical record as evidence of your injuries.
#2. Contact the Police
To get medical attention, you should contact 911, but if someone is seriously hurt, you likely won’t have time to report it to the police. Once you have recovered, you should contact the police and file a police report for your records and insurance.
There are many cases where there are witnesses who will report to the police what they saw even while you or a loved one is being taken to the hospital. You’ll want the police report to know what their eyewitness testimony was.
Currently, around the country, there is an issue with reports going unfiled, but asking for one can help to ensure one is made. The police have to document the incident and create an official report that can be used as evidence in your case. These police reports can contain information about who was at fault for the accident, which can greatly benefit your personal injury claim.
#3. Gather Information
To protect your personal injury rights, it’s important to gather as much information as possible at the scene of the accident if you can. This can include:
- The names and contact information of all parties involved
- Insurance information
- License plate numbers
- Any key witness statements
- Photos of the accident scene and any visible injuries can also be beneficial
#4. Contact an Attorney
To fully protect your personal injury rights, it’s highly recommended to seek the advice and guidance of a qualified personal injury attorney. Our personal injury attorneys will be able to help you navigate through the legal process, gather evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies.
#5. Document Your Injuries and Expenses
In addition to gathering information, it’s important to document any injuries and expenses related to the accident. This includes:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Any other financial losses incurred as a result of the accident
These documents can be used as evidence in your personal injury claim.
#6. Be Cautious When Dealing with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies will often try to settle for the lowest amount possible. It’s important to be cautious when dealing with them and not to accept any offers or sign any documents without consulting with your attorney first. Insurance companies want to make sure they have to pay out as little money as possible. They will be able to negotiate on your behalf and ensure that you receive fair compensation for your losses.
Contact the Personal Injury Attorneys at Scartelli Olszewski, P.C.
Being involved in a car accident can be a difficult and overwhelming experience. However, by following these steps and seeking the help of a personal injury attorney, you can protect your rights and receive the necessary compensation for your losses. Remember to act quickly and gather as much information as possible to protect yourself and your loved ones as much as possible.
Knowing this, it is important to know what to do after a car accident and take the necessary steps to protect your personal injury rights. For help and advice on what to do next, contact the attorneys at Scartelli Olszewski, P.C.
