Car accidents occur when you least expect them to. As overwhelmed as you might feel, however, it is crucial to remain calm and take the proper steps. The steps you take after an accident can increase your chances of obtaining compensation for your injuries and property damage.
Here are some of the steps you need to keep in mind if you are ever involved in an accident:
- After a car accident, it is crucial to stop. No matter how minor it might seem, this is a step that you are legally obligated to take, so stay put or pull over somewhere safe. You should also check to see if everyone is physically okay or if there are injuries that require emergency medical assistance.
- Whatever you do, never apologize. It might feel like a natural thing to say, but doing so is comparable to an admission of responsibility, affecting your chances of obtaining compensation.
- Call law enforcement officers to the scene, even if the other party pleads with you to handle this matter privately. Both your insurance company and the other party's insurance company will want a copy of the police report, which will serve as vital evidence. Therefore, it is necessary that you contact the police.
- Exchange information with the other driver and, if he or she had any passengers, collect their contact information as well. In most cases, the officer at the scene writes this information in the police report, but you should write it down as well just in case.
- Take as many pictures as you can of the scene. You might end up with some duplicates, but you can always delete them. Make sure you capture pictures of the damage to the vehicles involved and any visible injuries you sustained.
- Going to the doctor should be your next priority after leaving the scene of the accident. Even if you are not feeling any pain or experiencing symptoms, it does not necessarily mean you are not injured. Be safe rather than sorry and visit your doctor as soon as possible. Doing so is not only in the best interest of your health, but good for your personal injury claim as well. Putting off medical treatment will make it easier for the other party's insurance company to argue that you are lying about your injuries since you did not immediately seek treatment.
Lastly, make sure you hire an experienced personal injury attorney to handle your claim. He or she will be able to negotiate with the insurance company or represent you in court, if necessary.
CONTACT A SKILLED PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEY AT RICHARDSON RICHARDSON BOUDREAUX, PLLC TODAY!
If you were injured in a car accident, do not let the other party’s insurance company take advantage of you. Hire a skilled legal advocate who can protect your rights and help you secure the compensation you deserve. At Richardson Richardson Boudreaux, PLLC, our Tulsa personal injury team will work tirelessly on your behalf to hold the responsible party liable for your injuries.
Contact us today at 918-492-7674 to schedule a complimentary case review with one of our experienced attorneys.