Car accidents can be a very traumatic experience for the people involved, especially if some of them have sustained injuries. If you’re in a panicked state, it’s easy to forget the important steps that one must take while you’re still at the scene. As a result, your judgment could be clouded by the anxiety and stress of the situation. That is why you need to preserve the evidence so that it is not lost. However, by taking the 5 following steps, you can increase the monetary compensation you recover in a personal injury case.
• First and foremost, seek medical attention if you’ve been injured – whether it’s just a few bumps and bruises or something more severe in nature, always ask for medical assistance. If you refuse medical attention, the police will make a note of that on their report. If you file a personal injury claim later, refusing medical care could ultimately hinder your case.
• Get personal information – any personal injury lawyer will tell you to gather as much personal information as you can from everybody – drivers, passengers, and witnesses included. Get names, addresses, and telephone numbers as well as the insurance companies of all drivers. You should also get the license plate numbers, make, and model of all vehicles involved. Finally, be sure to take photos, also.
• Get police information as well – be sure you list the badge numbers and names of all police officers who report to the scene of your car accident as well. You should also get copies of the police report. Having a lawyer in your corner will help you get the necessary formalities done quickly with law enforcement agencies.
• Leave your car exactly where it stopped – unless there is the threat of further damage and harm (e.g. being in the path of oncoming vehicles), never move your vehicle until the police tell you to. This is important for the insurance company and the police to re-build the accident site.
• Contact a personal injury lawyer – once you’ve gotten the medical attention you need and are recovering from your car accident, it’s time to contact a personal injury lawyer in Burlington to discuss your claim.
The last step is by no means less important. If you’ve sustained injuries in an accident that was caused by another driver’s careless behavior, you could be entitled to compensation and possibly punitive damages as well. However, it is essential that you work with an injury lawyer that has years of experience working with similar cases so that they understand the nuances of the tort laws. They will work with you to ensure that your rights are protected under all circumstances.
