If you’re looking for information on what to do after an accident, you’ve come to the right place.
The steps to take after an accident will of course depends on your type of case. Common accidents include a slip-and-fall accident, car collision, equipment failure or negligence from a doctor, among others.
In most accidents, there tends to be a checklist of items you should secure as evidence as soon as possible after the accident. We’ll get to those in a minute.
Be careful about what you say after the accident, as certain things could be interpreted as admission of fault, and thus increase the chances your case will be dismissed. Apologies can sometimes even be skewed into admissions.
What Do I Do After Being in an Accident?
If you were in an accident, the general rules of thumb include following some of these steps:
- Call the police to the scene of the accident for insurance purposes.
- Listen to what eyewitnesses say about the cause of the accident.
- Don’t discuss the cause of the accident yourself.
- Write down admissions as soon as possible so they’re fresh in your memory.
- Take pictures of the accident scene, as well as pictures of your own injuries.
- Go to the emergency room. Oftentimes people involved in accidents are in shock and don’t realize the severity of their injuries. A documented trip to the ER will help convince your insurance agency of your trauma.
- Consult an attorney before contacting your insurance agency.
- Do not sign any documents before you have time to recover or are in contact with a trusted advisor who can help you make a decision.
- Remember the deadline for filing a claim. The deadline for filing suit can range from one year to six years, depending on your state.
- Keep documentation of all medical treatment following the accident, including but not limited to hospital information and procedures; type of pain; transportation to and from the hospital; arrival and departure times; your physical condition the following morning, and continuing effects of the accident, including the effect on your ability to perform at work.
What Do I Do After Being in a Car Accident?
A car accident is one instance where as many details as possible will help a case.
More typically, some of those details remain elusive because the individual didn’t obtain all the information at the accident scene. After all, those injured are often in a traumatic position and more apt to forget some of the basics required for a strong case/
If you are involved in a car accident, make sure you:
- Get descriptions of the accident: date of accident; time of day; weather conditions; location; direction car was travelling etc.
- Obtain information from those involved: names, addresses and phone numbers of driver(s), car owner(s), car passenger(s) and any eyewitnesses.
- Obtain details about the car(s) involved: license plate number; vehicle type and insurance and license numbers from the driver(s).
- Ask the police officer for a copy of the police report.
For all accident cases, a prompt and thorough investigation of the accident scene is a typical best practice that will help increase your chances of receiving monetary compensation for your injuries.