The first thing you should do after a car accident is to ensure everyone is safe. Check on your injuries and the other driver if another car was involved. Human safety is of paramount importance.
If you’ve been hit by another car, you are entitled to fair compensation. An experienced car injury attorney can file your case and represent you in court.
However, the actions you take immediately after a car accident can impact the final outcome of your case. In order to ensure your health is protected – as well as your right to a full and fair recovery of your damages – the attorneys of Davis, Saperstein & Salomon, P.C., encourage you to refer to the car accident checklist below:
11 Steps To Take After A Car Accident
If any person is injured, call 911 immediately for medical assistance. Your call will also alert the police. The accident report prepared by the responding law enforcement officer will be an important piece of evidence in your injury case.
You may believe you are unharmed after a crash. However, some types of injuries cannot be visually detected. For instance, closed head injuries can involve heavy bleeding that may be unknown to the victim and detectable only through certain medical tests. Make sure to retain all documents related to your treatment.
Before vehicles are moved, take photos that document the position of the vehicles, skid marks on the roadway and other details of the accident scene. These photos can be extremely important when it comes to investigating the crash and consulting with accident reconstruction experts.
Witness statements can be crucial in a car accident case. Gathering the details about eyewitnesses can allow your lawyer to make contact and take a statement before memories fade.
You are required to provide this information. Getting insurance information from the other party (or parties) will allow your lawyer to begin communication with the other party’s insurers and determine the policies that apply to your case.
You must provide basic, requested information to the responding law enforcement officer so that the officer can prepare an accident report. Remain calm and answer questions truthfully. Stick to the facts. Do not give an opinion as to who was at fault for the crash. You should request a copy of the report within 1-2 days after the accident.
You are required under New Jersey Law to file a written report regarding your accident if it involves an injury or death or involves property damage valued above $500. You have 10 days from the date of the accident in which to file the form. Your attorney can help you with this critical step. There are penalties for failing to file this report within the time limits. If a law enforcement officer has submitted a written report, you are not required to file the form.
You are required to report the accident to your auto insurance company. You will also be contacted by the other party’s insurance company. Do not provide any recorded statement without first talking to your lawyer. Inform any insurance company representatives who contact you that your lawyer will contact them.
Once you accept a settlement offer from an insurance company and sign a release form, you lose the right to pursue additional compensation. This can be devastating if it takes you longer to recover from your injuries – and costs more – than you initially expect. An attorney should review the settlement offer first and help you to determine whether it will fully compensate you for your damages.
It is important to document your memories of the accident as early as possible after it has occurred. One aspect of shock is that memories can become hazy or buried. Keep a written log of your medical treatments, pain or discomfort and the impact of the injuries on your ability to perform your normal daily tasks or your duties at work.
You should not delay getting legal representation. Several issues may need to be addressed very early in your case such as preserving evidence and dealing with insurance companies. Your lawyer will handle all of the details for you while you focus on healing from your injuries.
