Call the Police: After an accident, it is important to immediately call the police. In doing this, a police officer will write up an official incident report if the accident occurred on public property. If the accident occurred on private property, you can file an accident report with the appropriate local law enforcement unit. Accident reports can be filed online in many jurisdictions. An accident report can be important in proving to the court and insurance companies who was at fault in causing the accident. Without the accident report, obtaining a settlement for your injuries and property damage may prove difficult.
Document Information: Write down the other driver’s license plate number, make and model of the car, name, contact information and insurance of the other driver. Take pictures and videos of the scene. This can all be used as evidence at a later time in the case if necessary. If the opposing driver makes any concession as to guilt such as “I’m sorry” or “I should have been looking before I backed out” take a mental note and write it down.
Get Medical Care: Take care of yourself. Some people do not notice pain after an accident because they are in shock while other people think they can just work through the pain. A sore back can lead to a multitude of problems that show up later in life, so it is important to seek medical care to check for injuries. Medical records will document actual injuries, diagnoses and treatments that result from an accident. Waiting to seek medical attention can raise questions about whether the injuries were related to the accident.
Call Your Insurance Provider: A victim of a car accident should call their insurance company as soon as possible to report the accident.
Contact An Attorney: People often have questions after an accident and attorneys can answers those questions. Know your rights before speaking with the other driver’s insurance company. If you have questions or want to learn more about post-accident relief, contact the law firm of Artz, Dewhirst & Wheeler, LLP.
DISCLAIMER: Artz, Dewhirst & Wheeler, LLP presents the information on this web site as a service to Internet users, including members of the public. While the information on this site is about legal issues, it is not intended as legal advice or as a substitute for the particularized advice of an attorney. People seeking specific legal advice or assistance should contact an attorney.