Being in a car accident is a scary and stressful experience. There are several things you can do to increase your safety and, if you are injured, to protect your ability to seek compensation. Our firm has guided countless clients to successful legal outcomes, and we want you to be informed of the steps you need to take after a car accident.
After a car crash, you should:
- Check for injuries. It is important to check yourself and your passengers for any injuries. If you are injured, you should call 911 and wait for emergency responders to arrive. Even if no one is injured, it is still important to file a police report.
- Get to a safe location. If your vehicle is in the middle of an intersection or on a busy road, it is important to move yourself to a safe location, such as a parking lot or the side of the road. Leave your vehicle until instructed by police to do so. If your vehicle is heavily damaged and unsafe to move, you need to wait for police and medical personnel to arrive. This will help prevent further accidents.
- Exchange information. After a car accident, it is important to exchange necessary information with the other driver. This includes the name of your insurance provider, your policy number, your name and contact information and the same information for the other vehicle/driver.
- Gather evidence. Gathering evidence is an important step to building your personal injury case. You should take pictures of all vehicle damage and write down the names and contact information of every witnesses. You should also write down the name and badge number of the responding police officer and file a thorough police report.
- Seek medical attention. If you have any concerns about a potential injury, go to an emergency room and make an appointment to see your doctor after a crash. Some injuries may not present symptoms for hours or even days after the initial trauma. If you wait to see a doctor, or fail to see a doctor at all, the insurance company may say that your injuries were not caused by the crash. By seeing a doctor, you can receive treatment for any underlying injuries, and use your medical records to support your personal injury claim.
Call Brett H. Oppenheimer, PLLC Today at (502) 242-8877
Brett H. Oppenheimer, PLLC believes negligent or reckless drivers must be held accountable. If you or a loved one have been injured in a car crash, our Louisville car accident attorney will discuss your situation, answer your questions, and gather evidence on your behalf. With our tenacious legal assistance, you can pursue justice from those responsible.
For experienced representation after a car wreck, contact us today. We offer free consultations to all prospective clients.