June 24, 2022
If you ever find yourself involved in a car accident, it is critical to know the proper steps to take. This is especially important if the accident was the other driver’s fault. You want to make sure you have all the evidence and documentation you need to prove the other driver’s liability. A car accident lawyer can help.
The Scene of the Accident
No matter who is at fault, you never want to drive off and leave the scene of the crash. Doing so is against the law and you can find yourself facing criminal charges, even if the accident was not your fault.
If you are physically able, you want to check on the condition of any passengers in your vehicle and the driver, and any occupants in the other vehicle. Call 911 to report the crash and also report any injuries. Do not move any injured victims unless there is an immediate danger, such as smoke coming from a vehicle.
When the police arrive, you will want to share with them all the details of what led up to the crash. The officer will be filing a police report that will likely have details and the cause of the accident and your lawyer can use this as evidence in your case.
At the scene, you will also want to make sure you get the other driver’s name, contact information, driver’s license number, registration, and auto insurance information. If there are any witnesses, you also want to make sure to get their contact information, too.
Evidence Gathering
If your injuries do not prohibit you, take photographs at the scene of the accident, including the damage to both vehicles and any surrounding property. If there are skid marks, make sure to photograph those, as well. Take photos of any other factors, such as road construction, traffic signs, or anything you think may be relevant to your case. If you are too injured, see if a bystander may be able to use your phone to take the photos.
Medical Attention
Even if you think you have not been injured or think the injury is only minor, go directly to a doctor to get checked out. There are many types of injuries that have delayed symptoms and can actually be dangerous if not caught in time, like a concussion or internal bleeding. Not could you be putting your health at risk by waiting to get checked out, but the other driver’s insurance company can use that delay to accuse you of not really being injured in the crash.
Contact a Car Accident Law Firm Today
Once you have been checked out by a doctor, your next step should be calling a car accident lawyer. Do not speak with the other driver’s insurance company until you do. You may be entitled to compensation for all the losses your injuries have caused, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. To ensure that compensation, you need a skilled attorney, like a Port St. Lucie, FL car accident lawyer from a law firm like Tuttle Law, P.A.