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What To Do After A Car Accident Checklist
A car accident is often a stressful and perhaps traumatic event. Taking a few simple steps following the accident, however, can go a long way in ensuring the handling of your claim goes as smoothly as possible. Follow this car accident checklist for the best results.
- Call The Police & Exchange Insurance Information
- Don’t Admit Fault
- Seek Medical Attention, If Necessary
- Take Pictures Of Your Accident & Injuries Immediately
- Record Witness Contact Information
- Contact A Lawyer
1. Call the Police and Exchange Insurance Information
This may seem obvious, but too often motor vehicle accidents are not memorialized in a police report. If you are involved in a Boston car accident and are NOT at fault, the contents of a police report can be very important.
You should also always copy down some identifying information about the other vehicle involved in the accident. Important details are the driver’s insurance information, the license plate, and the make and color of the vehicle.
2. Don’t Admit Fault
Even if you believe you may have been the cause of an accident, refrain from making statements regarding liability until you have had an opportunity to collect yourself. Some people will actually state that they are sorry for causing the accident although it was not their fault.
3. Seek Medical Attention, If Necessary
Many people do not feel pain for several days. Very often, symptoms such as pain, discomfort, soreness, stiffness, dizziness, or numbness may appear in the days following the accident.
If you experience pain and or discomfort right away or in the days and weeks following the accident, consult your primary care physician for an evaluation immediately. Documenting your injuries will be important when submitting the case for settlement or presenting it to a jury.
4. Take Pictures of Your Injuries Immediately
It is important to document any injuries that are related to your motor vehicle accident. Take pictures of any bruising, swelling, or areas of discomfort. Also, take as many pictures as possible from all different angles and distances.
If you are unable to do so yourself, have a family member or friend assist you. Attorneys are often able to raise the value of a case significantly with the aid of pictures taken immediately after an accident.
5. Record Witness Contact Information
If anyone witnessed your accident, get their contact information, i.e. name, address, phone number, and even email address. An unbiased witness corroborating can help to establish liability.
6. Contact a Lawyer
It is no secret that involving a Boston car accident attorney gives you the best shot at recovering a large settlement or court judgment. Motor vehicle accident cases are extremely complicated and you will likely need help navigating your way through the auto accident claim.
Insurance companies very regularly provide unrepresented individuals low ball offers because they know they are unfamiliar with case value. Most personal injury attorneys provide a free consultation. It is better to sit down and speak with a lawyer and decide not to sign up with their firm than to speak to no one at all.
A motor vehicle collision is always a huge inconvenience. It usually interrupts daily activities and creates unwanted stress. We hope this car accident checklis information is useful in the event you are faced with these circumstances. By following these suggestions, you can minimize the stresses that most people encounter.
