Forbes estimated that there is one fatal car crash every fifteen minutes in the United States—and there are over five million non-fatal accidents annually. Many people talk about how common car accidents are, but they dismiss them just as quickly because they assume it’s something that won’t happen to them. We aren’t trying to frighten you because our focus here is helping you be prepared if you are involved in one.
Those who avoid thinking about the possibility may also discover how overwhelming and confusing an accident can be. For this reason, you should have a basic plan for what steps you should take to protect yourself and your future claim. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that it is retribution, either. You may suffer injuries that could keep you from working while facing mounting medical bills. Although a personal injury attorney will help you obtain compensation, they will not be with you during the moments after an accident. This is your time to ensure your safety and take appropriate steps, enabling your lawyer to get the money you need.
The Mindset
Regardless of anything we say here, none is more important than your safety. Don’t refuse medical care because you think you gather information or evidence for your claim. It is important to remember that going to the hospital is part of preserving your claim. When a doctor sees you, they will draft a report that will likely speak to the extent of your injuries. With your assistance, your legal counsel can get a copy of this report, which elaborates on what damages you sustained. Additionally, and this can get overlooked, keep up with any follow-up appointments. If your injuries worsen, then they will be annotated and tracked.
If you are physically able to do so and it’s not putting you at risk, begin documenting as much of the accident as you can. Virtually everyone has a phone, and you should take as many pictures of the accident as possible. Take photos of the following:
- The vehicles
- Injuries
- The area surrounding the accident
- Traffic signs
- Traffic lights
- Skid marks on the road from the car’s braking
- Damaged property other than the cars
If there are witnesses nearby, get their names and phone numbers. Even if they leave the accident (assuming they weren’t involved), you can give their information to the police and your attorney. Some businesses have surveillance cameras, and a store or gas station owner may have recorded the entirety of the accident. In the event of a he-said vs. she-said dispute, you will have evidence to prove what did happen.
Other Key Considerations
You are only as good as the evidence you present. You can take steps to be proactive, such as taking a drug test. You can contact a private facility and have results in twenty minutes. The purpose of this is to eliminate as many defenses as you can. Not only does this enhance your case, but it also shortens the timeline associated with getting a settlement.
The more evidence you can give our attorneys, the stronger our position is. Let’s work together to ensure you receive the compensation you need to overcome your injuries. Contact Cate & Brough to schedule your consultation.
Cate & Brough, P.A.
