Getting in a car crash can lead to a whirlwind of events. Depending on the severity of the incident, you might need to rush to the hospital, get a tow truck, call for a ride or call into work. In the mix of everything, it can be challenging to remember what to do to ensure you have a solid personal injury case.
Your main priority will and should be safety, but what specific steps should you take once you pull your car to the side of the road? Here are starting points to consider if you ever find yourself at the scene of a collision:
- Talk to the other driver: At least exchange contact and insurance information with the person operating the other vehicle involved. You don’t have to and shouldn’t try to point fingers and blame one another before speaking with your insurance and seeking legal guidance.
- Call for help: Reporting the accident is a must, so one of the best ways to do this is to call 9-1-1 before parting ways from the crash site. Police officers will speak to the parties and witnesses involved and log an official crash report. This report can then serve as a reference when seeking compensation later. The responding officers can also help determine if calling an ambulance is necessary.
- Collect evidence: If you are mobile enough, it can be helpful to document anything you see or hear at the scene. You can take pictures with your phone of damage to your car and the surrounding area. These measures can give context to insurance adjusters or attorneys.
- See a doctor: Emergency medical aid isn’t always vital, but that doesn’t mean you are in the clear. It’s still extremely necessary to have a doctor check that everything is okay. Increased adrenaline can be a reality given the circumstances and can allow you to push through a tough situation without realizing any pain you are experiencing. Plus, delayed injuries exist, so it’s a good idea to track how you feel days and weeks after the crash.
This isn’t a comprehensive list, so be sure to speak to a legal professional to ensure you are on a good path when it comes to following up and filing a personal injury case.