7 Things to do After Being Involved in a Traffic Collision
Being involved in an accident of any kind can be very traumatic and jarring. It is difficult to keep a cool head when you have been injured but it is vitally important to think calmly in these situations. We have seen many good people not get the recoveries that they deserve because they failed to do a few simple things to make their claim stronger. Here are seven simple things you can do to help the lawyers at Owens / Pinzelik, P.C. present the best possible argument on your behalf.
Record names and contact numbers – It is important after an accident to record the names and contact numbers of all people involved as well as anyone who witnessed the accident. You never know who you might have to call on in the future to be a witness.
Record insurance information – If you are involved in a traffic accident it is important to write down the insurance information of the other driver. If the name on the insurance policy is different than the name of the driver then find out the relationship between the driver and the insured.
Take photos – You should take pictures of all involved vehicles after the accident to show the damage to your car. You should also take pictures of the location of the accident. These pictures can be used later by attorneys and investigators to reconstruct the accident.
Contact an attorney as soon as possible after the incident has occurred – The longer you wait to contact an attorney and file a claim with the insurance companies the harder it is to make a compelling case.
See a doctor – It is almost impossible to make a claim for injuries until you have seen a doctor and received a diagnosis. This is also important for you own health and recovery. The full extent of your damages cannot be determined until you have been treated by a doctor up to the point that you are in a ‘medically stationary’ condition, meaning that you are all better or your health is as good as it is going to get. Only then can the true extent of your damages be measured.
Do not discuss the accident – It is a good practice not to discuss the details of the accident with neighbors, friends, etc. or to post any details about the accident or your injuries on social media. Also, do not sign any documents admitting fault or liability. Consult with your attorney before signing any documents related to the accident.
Keep records of all medical documents – including ones describing the nature and extent of your injuries and invoices detailing the costs of medical procedures. These will help prove the extent of your damages. Also, keep copies of any documents you may have from your place of employment such as forms showing you had to take time off or a leave of absence from work after the accident.
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Following these simple steps will make your insurance claim much stronger and improve your case if settlement does not work and we have to take your case to court. Please contact the injury attorneys at Owens / Pinzelik, P.C. today to schedule a free and confidential consultation if you have been involved in an accident where you have been injured by another’s negligence. Our personal injury attorneys work on a contingency basis, which means that we don’t get paid until we recover money for your injuries.