Most of us more or less know what to do if we have a car accident. We understand that we must exchange our contact and insurance details with the other parties and witnesses. As well as co-operate with the police and other authorities. But, there are actually a few other things you should be thinking about doing immediately after an accident, tasks that not everyone is aware of. Or, if they are aware, remember to do.
Seek professional legal help at an early stage
If you are being blamed for the accident or feel uneasy about how things have been dealt with at the time of the incident it is wise to seek legal advice immediately.
Whether you need a car accident lawyer in Augusta or Atlanta it is important to find one that has a good reputation, is experienced and professional. Hiring the right lawyer will significantly impact the likelihood of your winning your claim. The sooner you hire one the more likely it is that things will go well for you.
Take photos and videos
It is important to gather as much evidence as you can at the scene of the accident. Even if the police are called and take photos or videos you should still take your own. That way you remain in control and have a convincing way to back up your claim.
However, you need to be a bit careful about how you do this. It is very important that you do not endanger others while gathering this evidence. You must also co-operate with the authorities and not get in their way. If there is not much light take your photos and video, but, be prepared to come back during daylight hours to photograph the scene.
Gather evidence of your injuries
If you have been injured remember to gather evidence of those injuries. Note down dates and times of doctor’s appointments as well as what you have been told. This type of information will come in handy if you have to pursue a personal injury claim.
Be sure to notify your insurance company of any injuries the moment you become aware of them. Sometimes you feel OK immediately after an accident. But, you start to notice over the next day or so that you have unexplained aches and pains. If this happens report this to the relevant parties quickly and seek a medical examination.
Draw a good diagram of the accident
It is also worth drawing a diagram of the accident. Try to do this as soon after the accident as you can. That way everything will still be fresh in your mind. The act of drawing up the scene will jog your memory and help you to better understand how the incident occurred and what went wrong. This website explains how to approach this task and provides you with a handy tool to help you to put together a good diagram.
Put everything in a file
The chances are that it will take time to sort out your claim. During that time, it is all too easy to lose vital documents and photos. The best way to stop that from happening is to put everything into a single file. This will help you to stay organized and be able to quickly answer any questions that you are asked.
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