The chances are that you'll eventually be in a car accident. In fact, the average person is in 3-4 car accidents in their lifetime. While every accident will not cause personal injuries, some of them can. If you find yourself in a situation where you have become injured due to another driver, you need to collect yourself and do the following three things right after the accident happens.
1. Gather Information
The first thing you need to do is start gathering information before you leave the scene of the accident. Record exactly where the accident occurred, as well as the time of the accident. If any police officers helped you, record their names and their badge numbers so that you can track them down later. Request information from the other drive, their name, and their contact information. Gather contact information for witnesses as well.
You should then start taking pictures, so get out your smartphone and start snapping away. This will help preserve evidence that may be gone if you return to the site of the accident. You'll want to record the placement of the cars after the crash, the damage that occurred to every car involved, proof of the weather and road conditions, as well as anything you think contributed to your car accident. For example, if there was a tall brush that blocked your view of oncoming traffic, take a photo of it.
2. Get Medical Attention
Treating your injuries is very important if you were injured in the crash. Go to an emergency room or urgent care facility to get your injury diagnosed and start the treatment process. Even if you feel like you were not badly injured, getting seen by a doctor can help rule out potential internal injuries you may be suffering from. Injuries can also take a few days until they start showing signs.
Keep in mind that not seeking medical attention may show that your injuries were not serious. See a doctor to document any injuries you have, no matter how big or small they are.
3. Hire a Lawyer
With the accident and injury documented, you should now start reaching out to local lawyers in your area that specialize in personal injury cases. They can help you get the compensation you need to pay for the damage to your vehicle and your medical bills related to an injury that you are suffering from.
For more information, contact your local personal injury lawyer.
