If all of this information seems overwhelming or confusing, don’t worry. You don’t have to go through all this by yourself. At Will Adams Law Firm, we worry about the details of our clients’ cases—including insurance policies, finding all the causes of a crash, and filing all the right paperwork—so they can focus on their recovery.
However, there are some steps you can take in the minutes, days, and weeks after a crash that can protect your case and help your legal team fight for you.
Call 911
Once it’s safe to do so, call the police after a crash. The responding officer will take down all the details of your crash in a police report, which will be vital evidence for your claim later. If someone is seriously injured, request an ambulance right away.
Take Photos of the Crash
If it’s safe and you’re able, take photos of the crash, your vehicles, the road, and any other variables that seem relevant to the crash. These pictures are incredibly helpful for your case, so even a cell phone camera will do.
Get Witness and Driver Information
Witnesses play a valuable role in helping injured people get the compensation they deserve after a crash. If they’re still at the scene, get the names and contact information of anyone who may have seen the crash happen. Also be sure to write down the name, insurance details, and contact information of any other drivers involved in the crash.
Go to the Doctor
You should still seek medical attention after a crash, even if you weren’t taken to the emergency room by ambulance. Hidden injuries, like concussions, internal bleeding, or soft tissue damage, can seem “fine” right after the crash, but get worse over time. A doctor can often identify these injuries before they cause extensive damage, and your medical records will act as proof in your insurance claim or lawsuit.
Keep Track of Your Losses
If your injuries have caused you to miss work, struggle to take care of your family, or otherwise disrupt your life, write these details down. Similarly, keep all of your crash-related bills and receipts. These records will help your legal team fight for the compensation you deserve.
Call a Lawyer
Fighting for a fair settlement after a crash is notoriously difficult. With an experienced attorney on your side, you’ll be able to understand how much your case is worth, identify and hold the responsible parties accountable, and get the resources you need to recover.