*This is a guest post from another attorney. The author’s views are his own, and do not necessarily reflect the views of our firm. This does not constitute an endorsement of any attorney or firm.
There is a massive amount of confusion after a car accident, so it is not surprising that you are overwhelmed about what to do in the immediate aftermath. Certain actions are obvious, such as seeking appropriate medical care, calling 911 as necessary, and checking on the other occupants in your vehicle. However, many victims of car crashes are not so sure about the next steps. A skilled personal injury attorney can assist you with filing a claim. Still, there are things you can do to help your lawyer out in fighting for your rights. Here are the four things you should do after a car accident to protect your own interests.
Pull Over Safely
While the impact and your injuries may affect your ability to move the vehicle, you should do your best to pull over to a safe spot along the roadway. The shoulder is typically the most protected area to bring your car to keep yourself and others out of traffic, but side streets or driveways are other options.
Gather Information
Any time you are involved in a car crash that caused injuries, you should stop, render assistance, and provide certain information. Be sure to to exchange certain information with the other driver(s):
- Names and addresses of each motorist;
- The operator’s driver’s license number; and,
- The registration and license number of each vehicle.
Plus, it is necessary to get these details in order to file a claim for compensation against the other driver. You should also request insurance information so that we know how to contact the insurance company regarding your claim after you contact us. We do not recommend that you speak to the insurance company of the person who caused the accident. That is our job. If there are any witnesses, get their details as well. On the page where you write down all the information about the crash, write “For my lawyer” at the top
Document the Scene
The third step is to document the scene. If you are physically able to do so, take photographs so that you have a visual account of the scene of the accident. You should also jot down notes to refresh your memory of the collision as accurately as possible. Include such information as:
- The time and date of the accident;
- The weather and traffic conditions;
- The physical factors present at the scene, such as whether it occurred at an intersection, the number of lanes of roadway, whether there were any visibility issues, your speed, and other considerations;
- Your own recollection of what happened and the contributing factors in the collision;
- Where you were coming from and going to; and,
- Any other details, even those you may not think are significant.
Contact an Experienced Car Accident Attorney for Help
The most critical step you can take after being injured in a car crash is to contact a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer as soon as you are able to do so. The responsible driver’s insurance company is already preparing a case against you, where they will deny your claim entirely or offer an amount insufficient to cover your losses.
About the Author
Sandra Stanfield is a partner at Stanger Stanfield Law, LLC, and is a prominent Personal Injury Lawyer in West Hartford, CT. She earned her J.D. from the University of Connecticut School of Law in 1994, and has practiced a diverse range of civil law since then.
