Millions of collisions occur each year, and it’s easy to recognize how issues may arise in the aftermath. People must take specific steps after a crash occurs to protect their rights and increase their chances of pursuing the compensation they deserve.
These steps can significantly impact your case, allowing you to help prove liability and seek justice. Below, our team will help you understand some of the most crucial steps you can take to safeguard yourself throughout the process.
Five crucial steps to take following a crash include:
- Call a lawyer
- Report the crash to local authorities
- Exchange vital information
- Take photos of the accident
- Get medical care
If you need legal help, call our team today at (480) 999-9181.
Call a Lawyer
You may feel like calling your insurance company is the right move after an accident, but you must remember that insurance adjusters want to protect their profits. They may not be as willing to help you as they should be, and they often take advantage of a vulnerable situation.
Instead of taking risks and speaking with insurance adjusters alone, you should speak with a lawyer about what options you have. A lawyer can help you file a claim from the very first step, working on your behalf to hold negligent parties accountable and seek the most favorable outcome possible.
Report the Crash to Local Authorities
One vital piece of evidence to consider is a police report. Contacting local authorities after a car accident can help in numerous ways, including the following:
- Officers can help keep contention low.
- Officers can speak with all parties involved, including witnesses.
- Officers can create documentation to help prove your case.
- Officers can issue citations if necessary (drunk or distracted driving).
Make sure you report your crash soon after it happens to safeguard your rights.
Exchange Vital Information
As long as you and the other driver can do so safely and cooperatively, it helps to exchange vital information such as driver’s licenses, insurance information, and contact information. The information you receive will go to your legal team to proceed with the claims-filing process.
If the other driver is contentious, you may leave this step to law enforcement officers.
Take Photos of the Accident
As long as you physically can, take some photos to show the accident scene. Some of your photos can include:
- Pictures of where the accident occurred. Showing the accident scene can indicate signs of negligence, tire marks, etc.
- Pictures of the damage to each vehicle. In many cases, these photos can help accident reconstructionists show how the collision occurred.
- Pictures of your visible injuries. These photos can help disprove any attempts by insurance adjusters to claim you had preexisting injuries.
Get Medical Care
Your health is of the utmost importance. As such, you should be sure to get medical care soon after the crash occurs. Either see a paramedic at the accident scene or go to the emergency room for treatment. Not only does medical care help you start your recovery, but it also provides you with a record that indicates which injuries you sustained and how severe they are.
At Skousen, Gulbrandsen & Patience, PLC, we put your needs first. Our team goes above and beyond to provide you with the highest level of care because you need it during a challenging time. We take on large insurance companies who may try to take advantage of your situation.
Trust that our Mesa car accident lawyers work on your behalf. We are committed to you and your needs every step of the way. When you need to pursue maximum compensation, you can count on us to stand in your corner and advocate on your behalf.
Call our firm at (480) 999-9181 today for a free case evaluation.