If you have been involved in a motor vehicle accident, any injuries that the accident causes may be considered personal injuries under the law. If someone else is at fault for causing the accident, that person may be liable for your injuries and for providing compensation to you. Auto accidents involve legal complexities and require the victim to prove the at-fault driver’s negligence to win a case. As a victim, you must have sufficient evidence that demonstrates the other driver’s fault.
If you are confused about what steps you should take following an auto accident, this guide is for you. Here are a few things that you must do if you have sustained injuries in an auto accident.
Whether you have been in a motor vehicle accident in Philadelphia, contact an experienced Queens personal injury lawyer for legal help. An attorney can assist you in seeking the appropriate compensation for your damages.
Following an automobile accident, here are a few critical things that you should keep in mind:
Seek immediate medical attention
Your health should be your top concern following a car accident. Even if you believe you have sustained only minor injuries, it is still important to see a doctor. Many times, injuries are not apparent immediately after the accident but can turn serious hours or days later. Seeking immediate medical attention can help you document your injuries and understand their true severity. This will help your attorney determine the appropriate amount of compensation you need as it relates to the injuries you have suffered.
File a police report
Reporting the accident to the police creates an evidentiary record that you can use later. It can also strengthen your case and may help you when you file a personal injury claim. Following the accident, call the police as soon as possible or report it in person by visiting a police station. If the law enforcement officers decline to file the report, you should document everything yourself. Record the details about what happened, the parties involved, and the location.
- Do not admit fault:
You should never admit that any of the accidents may have been your fault, and do not get into an argument with the other driver. It will weaken any potential legal claim you may have, and the insurance company can use anything you say against you. The insurance company may decline your claim on this basis or reduce the compensation amount you may collect. Do not communicate with the other parties involved. Wait at the accident scene until the police arrive, and do not admit fault to anyone, even the police.
- Take photos:
Photos and videos of the accident scene and of your injuries may serve as evidence for you. Take photos of your damaged vehicle from different angles. If your clothing was torn or damaged in the accident, keep them in that condition and do not wear them again.
- Speak to eyewitnesses:
Eyewitness testimony may be considered valuable evidence and could help you prove the at-fault driver’s liability. If possible, speak to anyone who may have witnessed the accident and save their contact information. You can also consider recording a video of them giving a statement. If the eyewitness changes their statement under any pressure, you will have evidence to prove their previous statements.
- Keep Careful Records and Do not Discuss Accident Details
Keep all accident-related documentation in one place, including medical reports, insurance documents, witness statements, photographs, and police reports. Share these with your injury lawyer, but with no one else. You must be extremely careful with any information you share online or with other people about the accident. Any minor mistake you make in communicating about accident details can be used against you in court or in out-of-court settlement negotiations.
If you have been injured in a car accident, a car accident lawyer who has handled similar cases can improve your chances of success. Similarly, a motorcycle accident lawyer may be more appropriate in the case of motor vehicle accidents involving motorcycles.
Spektor & Associates is a leading law firm where you can consult with the experienced Personal Injury Lawyer. Our attorneys have more than 25 years’ experience representing personal injury claimants. We regularly handle complex legal matters relating to car accidents, motorcycle accidents, truck accidents, medical malpractice cases, and many other types of personal injury claims.
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