The immediate moments following a car accident can be frightening and disorientating. Even if you have minor injuries, going through an accident can have a significant impact on your mental wellbeing, leaving you shaken. You may not be entirely sure what to do. A reliable and experienced Charlottesville, VA car accident lawyer like one from MartinWren, P.C. can guide you through this difficult ordeal so that your rights are protected. If you get hurt in an accident because of another individual, a lawyer would advise you to take the following steps.
Receive Immediate Medical Attention
Once emergency personnel arrive on the scene they will ask you about your physical condition and if you would like medical assistance. Always accept a medical evaluation even if you feel like you are capable of getting home on your own. Insurance companies will be especially attentive to this because if you refuse, they can argue that your injuries were not severe enough and use that excuse to invalidate your claim. You do not want to risk getting your case dismissed for a small reason such as refusing medical treatment. Even more importantly, an expert report like one made by a doctor is one of the most impactful pieces of evidence in a personal injury case.
Exchange Contact Information
It is important that you attempt to exchange contact and insurance information with the driver who struck your vehicle. The information you need to collect includes your name, phone number and/or email, driver’s license number, insurance company and policy. Do not disclose any more information than necessary or express any apology so you do not accidentally jeopardize your case. If your injuries prevent you from obtaining this information, you will be able to view it by obtaining a copy of the official collision report at your local police department. You need to have this information when you file a claim.
Collect Photo and Video Evidence
If you are physically capable and only have minor injuries, be sure to take many photos and record videos at the accident scene. Don’t forget smaller details such as surrounding debris and skid marks on the ground that show the direction of the vehicles and how they traveled. A car accident lawyer will need as many pieces of evidence as they can gather to construct a strong case. If you are not able to, contact any witnesses or first responders at the site to take them for you.
Keep these tips in mind so you are prepared in the event of a car accident. Contact a top qualified lawyer if you would like legal assistance with a car accident claim.