A person who has been in a car wreck has a lot of things to think about from the moment it occurs. One of the priorities is protecting their right to seek compensation for the damages due to their injuries.
If you are in a car crash, contact the emergency responders to come to the scene. This includes the police department, and might involve the paramedics and fire department, depending on the circumstances. You also need to do these three things:
#1: Collect information
Try to collect as much information at the scene as you can. The police report will include some vital information, but it won’t be available immediately. If possible, get the contact information for the other driver and any witnesses. Snap a picture of the insurance card and driver’s license for the other driver if they will let you.
You can also try to get pictures of the damage to the vehicles and the entire scene. This helps you to explain what happened since it provides a visual representation of everything. If the case goes to a trial before a jury, the jurors might appreciate having these pictures.
#2: Choose your words carefully
What you say can have a significant impact on your case. You should never admit fault for the crash. Choosing your words carefully means that you think about how they might be construed. Even something as seemingly innocent as saying you’re sorry to someone was injured could be flipped into a perceived admission of fault. Be careful whenever you discuss the accident, even after you leave the scene.
#3: Seek medical care
Getting medical care for the injuries you suffer can tie them to the crash. Having these records also establishes the need for treatment and can make it clear what the recover process will likely entail. These points may prove important in your claim for compensation.
People who suffer an injury in a crash might have considerable damages. This can include medical bills, but it might also include others like missed wages. Seeking compensation for those damages is possible, so act swiftly to ensure your claim is filed prior to the legal deadline for this type of civil matter.