After you are in a car accident that you were not responsible for causing, it is vital that you take certain steps to protect yourself full-circle. Anything you say or do can be used against you when making a claim for compensation. For this reason, you must ensure that you make good decisions, starting at the very scene of your wreck. Of course, everything you do will be dependent on how physically capable you are, as some car accident victims are unconscious for days or weeks, while others must be rushed to the emergency room for immediate medical attention.
But even after a car accident, whether days or weeks later, once you are conscious and capable, you can begin to take the necessary steps toward protecting your auto accident injury claim.
Follow These Steps After Getting into a Car Accident:
☑ Collect People’s Information
Gather identification and contact information for all persons involved in the auto accident, including passengers, as well as any onlookers or witnesses. Write down their phone numbers, addresses, and email addresses. Witnesses are especially important, so do not be afraid to ask someone if they are willing to provide their information for the sake of your claim. For drivers involved, be sure to get their drivers’ license numbers, plate numbers, and registration.
☑ Record Evidence
If you can, take photos and video recordings of the accident. Snap shots of everything related, at all angles and viewpoints, including shots that might indicate how the accident was caused. If you are too injured, delegate this duty to someone who is with you. You can even ask a police office or EMT to contact a loved one to come to the scene and do it for you. If you are medically capable days or weeks later, pick up this step wherever you can, starting with photos and video of your injuries. Do this too if your injury symptoms arise after your accident.
☑ File a Police Report
As soon as possible, if they haven’t already responded to the scene, call 911 and report the accident. This step is vital to your accident claim, so do it even if you think you are only slightly injured. In fact, make a report even if you think you are completely fine. Injuries from car accidents are known to appear later, or worsen overtime, so you need an official record to refer back to in the case that you file a personal injury claim. If you leave without making a report, contact the police when you get home or to the hospital. In your police report, be 100% honest and stick to the facts. Don’t apologize, admit any level of fault, or say too much.
☑ Read the Full Police Report
After making a police report, not only do you need to be sure to get a copy for yourself and your attorney, but you need to read the report in full. If the police officer cannot provide you with a copy of the report at the scene, they can email it or mail it to you. When reading the report, look out for anything missing or incorrect, then notify your accident attorney about the inconsistencies.
☑ Seek Medical Attention Soon
After you have collected information and made a police report, it is vital that you accept medical attention at the scene by responding EMT’s. Otherwise, be sure to see a doctor as soon as you get home, without any delay. Just like a police report, medical evaluation and treatment serve as an official record of your accident and subsequent injuries. Never skip medical care, even if you think you are not seriously hurt.
☑ Don’t Give a Statement to the Adjuster
Do not speak with the insurance adjuster, your own or the other party’s, until you have spoken to a car accident lawyer. Anything you say can be used against you to lower the value of your claim. Not only do you want to avoid giving a recorded statement to the insurance company, but you also want to refrain from posting anything on social media that they can use against you to justify paying you less.
☑ HIRE A SKILLED LAWYER
IF YOU ARE A VICTIM OF AN AUTO ACCIDENT THAT WAS NO FAULT OF YOUR OWN, WHETHER A MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT, BUS ACCIDENT, OR PEDESTRIAN HIT AND RUN, YOUR BEST CHANCE AT OBTAINING THE MAXIMUM PAYOUT FOR YOUR DAMAGES IS TO RETAIN A SKILLED INDIANA CAR ACCIDENT INJURY LAWYER.
Carl Brizzi LAW retains the qualifications and experience to go head to head with insurance companies, and win the full settlement you deserve.
An Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyer That Fights for Your Right to Payment
Contact Carl Brizzi LAW at 317-636-7497 to learn more about car accidents, and how to make a claim for your personal injuries in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our accident lawyers will work around the clock to ensure your rights to compensation are protected and fulfilled. We can recover damages for hospital bill, lost wages, medical expenses, pain, suffering, and much more. Carl Brizzi LAW also offers free initial case evaluations, and does not collect lawyer fees unless we recover a settlement or verdict for your personal injury case. We also represent victims injured in motorcycle accidents, truck accidents, and all other motor vehicle collisions. Get started as soon as possible, before the statutes of limitations runs out on your claim. Call 317-636-7497 and speak with a friendly legal secretary who will help you schedule a free consultation to discuss the viability of your accident claim with a seasoned Indianapolis personal injury lawyer.
