By Frank U Daniels
Being in a car accident can create a myriad of feelings all at once, from fright and panic, to disbelief and shock. In the moment, many people are not sure of what to do after an auto accident occurs. Knowing the right steps to take immediately following an auto accident, however, can help to ensure your rights are protected and evidence is preserved in the event that you later decide to file a personal injury
lawsuit. The following are suggestions on the first steps to take after you have been involved in an auto accident.
Check for Injuries
The first thing to do after an auto accident is to check for any injuries. Whether you are the driver or a passenger, checking to see if anyone was injured in the accident is a critical first step immediately following an accident. After you have checked for injuries, moving vehicles or people to a safe location will help keep everyone safe and out of further danger.
The first thing to do after an auto accident is to check for any injuries. Whether you are the driver or a passenger, checking to see if anyone was injured in the accident is a critical first step immediately following an accident. After you have checked for injuries, moving vehicles or people to a safe location will help keep everyone safe and out of further danger.
Call 911
Secondly, call 911 so that medical assistance will be dispatched to your location, and so a police officer can create an auto accident report of the incident. When the police arrive they will interview you to complete a report based on your account and the accounts of other drivers, passengers and witnesses to the accident. Officers will attempt to gather as much information as possible to document all the details of the crash. What you know about the accident may often be more accurate soon after it occurs rather than days or weeks later. Completing this report promptly, helps ensure that important details are not forgotten. This report is often requested by insurance companies as well.
Secondly, call 911 so that medical assistance will be dispatched to your location, and so a police officer can create an auto accident report of the incident. When the police arrive they will interview you to complete a report based on your account and the accounts of other drivers, passengers and witnesses to the accident. Officers will attempt to gather as much information as possible to document all the details of the crash. What you know about the accident may often be more accurate soon after it occurs rather than days or weeks later. Completing this report promptly, helps ensure that important details are not forgotten. This report is often requested by insurance companies as well.
Speak to Witnesses
Before leaving the scene, it is a good idea to approach anyone who witnessed the accident and take notes on their account of what they saw. They may remember details of important aspects of what happened that you may not have noticed. Ask witnesses for their contact information so that you may use them as a resource should you need their account of what happened at a later date.
Before leaving the scene, it is a good idea to approach anyone who witnessed the accident and take notes on their account of what they saw. They may remember details of important aspects of what happened that you may not have noticed. Ask witnesses for their contact information so that you may use them as a resource should you need their account of what happened at a later date.
Take Pictures
After an auto accident, it may be difficult to remember how it all happened. Taking photos of the accident promptly will help record the damage that occurred. Having pictures of the damage to the vehicles and any injuries will help answer questions that may come up later, after the accident scene has been cleared. Pictures can serve as reliable evidence when filing a claim with the insurance companies or if you later file a personal injury lawsuit.
After an auto accident, it may be difficult to remember how it all happened. Taking photos of the accident promptly will help record the damage that occurred. Having pictures of the damage to the vehicles and any injuries will help answer questions that may come up later, after the accident scene has been cleared. Pictures can serve as reliable evidence when filing a claim with the insurance companies or if you later file a personal injury lawsuit.
Consult with a Lawyer
If you find that you are injured as a result of an automobile collision, enlisting the help of an auto accident attorney may be your best course of action. An attorney can help you seek compensation for your injuries. If you were injured as a passenger in a car involved in an accident, you may benefit from seeking legal advice as well. A lawyer who specializes in auto accident cases can advise you and negotiate a settlement on your behalf.
If you find that you are injured as a result of an automobile collision, enlisting the help of an auto accident attorney may be your best course of action. An attorney can help you seek compensation for your injuries. If you were injured as a passenger in a car involved in an accident, you may benefit from seeking legal advice as well. A lawyer who specializes in auto accident cases can advise you and negotiate a settlement on your behalf.
The Law Firm of Sloat & Nicholson P.C. are experienced Boulder injury attorneys handling cases involving motorcycle accidents, bicycle accidents, insurance bad faith and other types of accident injury cases in Boulder, Longmont, Denver, and throughout the state of Colorado. Visit sloatlaw.com for a no-cost, no-obligation discussion about the merits of your claim.
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