Injuries caused by auto accidents are the most common type of case that a personal injury attorney handles. The injury accident might happen while you are driving your vehicle or maybe while you are working. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of work-related injuries and illnesses declined by nearly 2% in 2021. Here are five steps you should take after a car accident.
1. Exchange Contact Insurance Information
You should get your proof of insurance ready and give any drivers or pedestrians who might be involved in the accident your contact information. You also should get their contact information and ask if they are insured. If any witnesses are available, then it might help your case to exchange contact information with them, too.
2. Call 911 Police Response
You should call 911 to report the accident and ask for a police response. Some locales will not send police if there are no apparent injuries caused by the accident. If the police are responding, then you should wait for them before you leave the accident scene. If you are in good health and leave, then you might be charged as a hit-and-run driver.
3. Take Photos of the Scene
While you are at the accident scene, you should take photos and videos of the damages. The photos establish the driving conditions and might show the position of the vehicles. If there are skid marks on the pavement, then you should take photos of those, too.
4. Get Medical Treatment
If you suffer any kind of injuries, then treating them is the first priority after an accident. Taking an ambulance to the emergency room for treatment is the only good excuse for leaving the scene of an injury accident. A responding police officer can meet with you at the emergency room or whenever you are physically able to talk with the officer who is compiling a police report.
File Insurance Claim Retain Injury Attorney
You should file an insurance claim as soon as possible after an accident and retain an attorney. The sooner you file it, the easier it will be to show the accident caused the injuries, vehicle damages, and destruction of any private property. It also speeds up the claims process.
Have you been in a car accident? You can call to schedule a consultation with an experienced injury attorney at Harris Injury Law. We want to ensure you have a professional by your side during this time.
