When you’re involved in a car accident, it’s important to take steps to protect your rights. The actions you take following a car crash can affect the amount of damages you’re entitled to. Getting medical help and filing an insurance claim are just two ways you can ensure your rights are protected. But first, you need to take the time to document the accident. Having pictures of the scene can be an invaluable tool in a court case.
If you’ve been in a car accident, you may be suffering from physical and emotional injuries. Some victims even suffer from traumatic brain injuries, which don’t show any symptoms for days or weeks. These are some of the most serious types of injuries you can get in an auto accident. It’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible after the crash.
In addition to seeing a doctor, you should have someone take pictures of the accident site. Pictures can help you demonstrate the nature of the injuries you sustained, and you can use them to file an injury claim. They also can help you settle disputes with other people at the scene.
Depending on the circumstances of the accident, you may need to contact the police or submit an insurance claim. You will need to provide the police with your name, address, and vehicle information. Also, you may need to provide your insurance company with a copy of the police report. However, you don’t have to do both. Most states allow you to submit a report within 72 hours of the accident.
After you’ve filed your police report, you should get an idea of what happened during the accident. Ensure that you are not expressing any anger towards the other driver, and note any statements they make. Be sure to give the other party the space to explain their side of the story.
If you’re injured, you may need to go to the emergency room to see a doctor. Make sure you have an insurance policy number, your medical information, and the other parties’ names. A doctor will check your health, and you may discover you need more than one treatment.
Your doctor may be able to determine your condition and the extent of your injuries. He or she may also suggest a course of treatment. Regardless of whether you feel okay after an auto accident, you should still stay calm and follow your doctor’s recommendations. Keep an eye out for bruises and other visible injuries.
Take photos of your own vehicle and the other vehicles involved. Photos of the vehicles are essential to help you establish the scale of the accident and to document the damage. Photograph the license plates of the cars as well. Taking pictures of skid marks, dirt, and other objects can also help you prove your side of the story.
If you’re not hurt, you can move your vehicle to the side of the road. This will give other drivers a chance to see what has occurred, and it will make it easier for the police to investigate.
