If you’ve been injured in a car accident caused by another driver’s negligence, it’s essential to know what to do next. Car accident victims often have many questions and don’t know where to turn for help. We’ve put together this list of seven major things you need to do after an accident caused by negligence.
1. Get Medical Help
If you’ve been injured, it’s essential to get medical attention. Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s always best to be checked out by a doctor. Some injuries, such as whiplash, may not show symptoms right away but can still be serious. In addition to seeking medical attention, keep all of your medical documentation, including receipts, doctors’ notes, and test results. This will be important later if you need to file an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.
2. Call the Police
Even if the accident seems minor and there is no obvious damage to either vehicle, it’s still important to call the police. The police will create a formal accident report, which can be helpful if you need to file an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit. In such cases, the accident report can be used as evidence.
3. Gather Evidence at the Scene
If you’re able to do so, it’s essential to gather evidence at the accident scene. This can include taking photos of the damage to both vehicles, getting the contact information of any witnesses, and collecting the other driver’s insurance information. This evidence can be critical later if you need to file an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.
4. Notify Your Insurance Company
Once you’ve gathered all the necessary evidence, you need to notify your insurance company about the accident. Be sure to do this as soon as possible after the accident. Your insurance company will then open an investigation into the accident and start processing your claim. Also, avoid giving a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company. This could be used against you later.
5. Be Careful What You Say
After an accident, it’s essential to be careful about what you say. Avoid admitting fault or placing blame on the other driver. State the facts of what happened. It’s also important to avoid talking about your injuries or damage to your vehicle with the other driver. This could be used against you later.
6. Hire an Attorney
If you’ve been seriously injured in an accident caused by another driver’s negligence, hiring an attorney is important. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you navigate the legal process, protect your rights, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Also, avoid signing any documents from the other driver’s insurance company. These could waive your right to file a personal injury lawsuit.
7. Keep Track of Your Expenses
After an accident, you may have a lot of unexpected expenses, such as medical bills, car repairs, and lost wages. Be sure to keep track of all of your expenses related to the accident. This will be important later if you need to file an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.
These are seven major things you need to do after an accident caused by negligence. If you or someone you know has been injured in an accident, contact personal injury lawyers at lmdlawfirm.com for a free consultation.