When you’re involved in an auto collision, it’s important for you to take the right steps to help yourself make a case for compensation later. The order of things you do next could have a significant impact on your health and wellbeing as well as your legal case, so it’s a good idea to understand your rights and responsibilities in this kind of situation.
To help, here is a list of five things you should do after you are involved in a car crash.
- Call for help
The first thing to do is to call for help. You may not yet know if you have significant injuries or if others involved in the crash have been hurt, but it’s essential to get 911 on the line. The police will come to the scene first, usually, and then other supports will arrive as needed.
- Take notes, photos or videos
While you’re waiting for help to arrive, you may want to take videos or photos of the scene. If you can, take notes about what you remember, since your memory may begin to fade over time.
- Exchange information
While you’re taking notes, try to exchange information with the other driver. Get their name, license plate number and insurance information if you can. This can wait if you or they are injured.
- Go to the hospital
Always go to the hospital. Even if you don’t think that you’re injured, it’s helpful to go to the hospital and to have a physical exam at the very least. You want to document that you may have had injuries at the time of the crash and get a diagnosis if you do.
- Get in touch with your attorney
Finally, consider talking to an attorney. The other party’s insurance company may try to get in touch with you to resolve the case early, but you need to know your rights as a victim before you accept a settlement or talk to the agent about what happened.
These are five things to do after you’re in an auto crash. Taking the right action may help you build a stronger case.