Being involved in an unexpected car accident can be upsetting, especially if you are not at fault or to blame for the accident. Car accident victims may wonder what to do following a car accident. It is important to take actions to preserve a personal injury claim for damages, if that is what the victim later decides to do. Initially, it is always important for parties involved in a car accident to remain at the scene.
To begin with, a car accident victim should always seek any medical care that is needed immediately following the car accident. Because some types of injuries suffered in a car accident can worsen following the car accident, and the extent of the injury may not be immediately obvious following the car accident, it is also important for victims to know what to watch for. In addition, it is valuable to keep organized and detailed medical records for use later in a personal injury claim for damages.
In addition, the police should be called to the scene to assist; this step is also important because the police can prepare a police report which may be useful later as part of a personal injury claim for damages. The parties involved in the accident should exchange information but as much information as possible should also be obtained from witnesses who may have seen what happened. Taking photographs of the car accident is also useful.
A personal injury claim for damages can help car accident victims recover compensation for their physical, financial and emotional damages including medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering damages. Because of the important legal resources available to car accident victims who have been harmed by a negligent driver, it is essential to understand those options and how a personal injury claim for damages works following a car accident.
Source: Injury.findlaw.com, “After a Car Accident: First Steps,” Accessed April 18, 2018