There are certain steps that you can take after a car crash to protect your legal right to compensation. It begins immediately after the accident and can continue through the resolution of your case. One of the best things you can do to protect your claim is to talk to an experienced car accident attorney right away.
Gather Evidence
If your injuries allow, gather as much evidence as possible at the scene of the accident. This includes photos of all vehicles and damage to the vehicles, skid marks, debris from the crash, signs and traffic signals, and anything that might have contributed to the accident or might help provide context. Additionally, get names and contact information for everyone involved including the other driver, passengers and witnesses.
Get Medical Attention
Get yourself checked out right away. You may not feel like you have any serious injuries, but with the adrenaline from the accident, you may be in worse shape than you think and just not feel it. If you have a brain injury, the injury itself could be interfering with your judgement. Do not put it off. You’ll need the documentation showing that your injuries were caused by the accident and not something else.
Stay Away from Social Media
Do not post about your accident on social media. It will be used against you no matter what you say. Do not post on social media at all. Even posts that are not related to your accident and seem perfectly safe can be twisted and used against you. For instance, if you post a photo of your grandchild, the defense will try to use that against you when you claim that you are unable to participate in the activities you normally enjoy.
Document and Journal
Keep records and receipts of everything. When you talk to doctors, take notes. And keep a journal of how your injuries are affecting you. Describe your pain level. Include any activities your injuries keep you from doing like grocery shopping, or adjustments that you have to make like purchasing dog food in smaller amounts because you can’t carry a full-size bag.
Talk to a Car Accident Attorney – It’s Free
Talk to an experienced car accident attorney right away. Your initial consultation is free. You will have the opportunity to learn more about what to expect, whether your case is worth pursuing and what you need to do to protect your claim going forward.
To learn more about how to protect your rights after a car accident, search our directory for an experienced traffic accident attorney in your area and schedule your free consultation right away.
