After a car accident, there are several steps that you should take to ensure your safety and maximize your financial recovery. Following these steps will help you get the compensation that you deserve.
The first thing to do after an accident is to call the police. They’ll come to the scene, document the crash and file an accident report for you.
Contact the Police
If you’ve been involved in a car accident, it’s essential to call the police. Not doing so can lead to a fine or even jail time.
The police will conduct a preliminary investigation, interview witnesses, and collect evidence at the crash scene. This will help them decide who was at fault in the accident.
You should get the names, addresses, phone numbers, and driver’s license numbers of all drivers involved in your crash. Also, get the insurance policy number and company name if there is one.
Then, get the witnesses’ names and contact information at the accident scene. This will be helpful in case your insurance company needs to contact them to provide additional evidence.
Exchange Information with the Other Driver
One of the most important things you should do after a car accident is exchange information with the other driver. This is especially important if you want to file an insurance claim for damages.
Ensure you get their full name, contact information, and insurance information. Moreover, it would help if you noted their vehicle’s year, make, and model.
Regardless of the other driver’s intentions, failing to get this information can have serious consequences.
This is because it’s essential to have this information to file an insurance claim and prove that the other driver was at fault for the accident. Getting the other driver’s license plate number is also necessary, as you may need this later when you contact the police or your insurance company.
Contact an Attorney
If you were injured in a car accident, it is essential to seek the advice of a Tampa car accident attorney. They can help you file a personal injury lawsuit and obtain compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
An attorney can also handle negotiations with insurance companies on your behalf, helping to ensure that you receive the total amount of financial compensation you deserve.
While it is not always necessary to hire an attorney after a car accident, there are times when it makes sense. For example, if your injuries are minor and do not show up until days after the accident, it may be too late to hire an attorney.
Take Pictures of the Scene
After a car accident, taking pictures of the scene is essential. This will help you and your attorney preserve evidence that could be helpful in your case.
Capture photos of every detail relevant to the accident, including dents, scratches, deployed airbags, and busted windshields. It’s also good to pop the hood and take close-up photos of visible engine damage.
Be sure to take wide shots of the accident scene as well. This will help you and your insurance company understand how the accident happened.
Also, consider taking photos of any traffic lights or signs near the accident site. This will allow investigators to see how the other driver positioned their vehicle before the crash.
Get Medical Attention
Medical attention is one of the most important things after a car accident. Getting a doctor’s examination as soon as possible after the accident will help you heal faster and also provide vital evidence for your compensation claim.
Whether you suffer from whiplash or a severe concussion, seeking treatment immediately after your accident is essential. This is because many symptoms associated with traumatic brain injury, like headaches, numbness, and memory loss, emerge after the accident.
If you haven’t seen a doctor within 72 hours after your accident, you risk losing out on valuable evidence that could dramatically decrease the compensation you receive for your injuries. This is especially true if you have any pre-existing conditions that may be related to your accident.