Accidents happen every day, even to the best of drivers. If you ever find yourself in the aftermath of an accident, it’s important to stay calm and document your wreck if possible. Here are the four steps you should take if you ever get into a motor vehicle accident to make your claim more effective.
1. Check for Injuries
Although this tip seems self-explanatory, it’s crucial to get medical attention. If anybody has an injury, call 911 immediately. Even if everyone involved only suffers minor injuries, make sure to call the police so that you can ask for an accident report. In addition, refusing medical attention may negatively impact your claim.
2. Move to a Safe Area
If your vehicle is still running, make sure to move it off of the road or onto the shoulder. However, if any of the vehicles are non-operational or on fire, move away from them immediately and don’t try to move them.
3. Exchange Insurance Information
Every state has their own laws regarding the amount of information you must exchange with another driver after an accident. Generally, you only need to provide your legal name and your insurance information. However, try to limit your interactions with the other drivers. Any comments you make could be taken as an admission of guilt.
4. Document the Accident
This is one of the most important steps to take after an accident. Having as much evidence as possible will help increase the strength of your claim. This includes:
- The name, phone number, and insurance information of the other driver
- Contact information for witnesses
- Photos of injuries or damage to the vehicles
- Photos of accident marks on the roadway
- A police report from the responding officer
These are just a few of the steps you should take to file a strong accident claim. If you suffer injuries in an accident due to someone else’s negligence, an attorney can help fight for the compensation you deserve. Please search our directory to find an experienced personal injury attorney for your case.
