Car wrecks are traumatic and can leave you in a state of shock and injured. Still, it is important to know what to do after a car accident so you can prepare yourself for future litigation. What you do the day of your accident and immediately afterward can directly impact your ability to receive compensation, along with the amount you eventually settle for. Attorney Boris Lavent details the steps you should take after your accident:
Get to safety
Nothing is as important as your safety. If you can move your vehicle to the side of the road, do it. Use your hazard lights and horn to warn surrounding drivers that you are on the move. If you cannot move your car, put your hazards on, prepare to honk, and call 911 for help.
In this situation, getting out of your car can actually be more dangerous than staying put because your car will be much easier to see and avoid than you will be, and your car offers a certain level of protection.
Start taking pictures
As soon as you are safe, pull out your smartphone and start taking pictures of everything. You will want photos of all the vehicles that were involved. Each side should be photographed and any damage needs to have a close-up shot. Next, take pictures of the road and any debris but do so at a safe distance.
You should also take pictures of surrounding buildings, street lights, stop signs, and anything else that could help tell the story of what happened. Remember, a jury will never step foot on that road. If it is a busy highway, show them with pictures.
File an accident report
Be sure to file a report with the police, since this will be a valuable piece of evidence later on.
Exchange information with the other driver
Take down their name, address, phone number, insurance information, driver’s license number, and license plate number. You should also document the make and model of the car and whether or not they were “on the job” when they hit you. If, for example, they hit you while making a delivery, the company they work for could be liable.
Go see the doctor
Even if you think you are fine, you need to see the doctor right away. Many people ask what to do after an accident but fail to do this important step. Shock can make you feel better than you actually are, so do not take your health for granted. Simultaneously, your doctor and a medical file will be critical for your case, so make sure they open a new one for you.
Call an attorney
We can help you open a claim with the insurance company, make sure you receive the medical care you need, and that your rights are protected. We can also file your lawsuit before the statute of limitations is reached so you can receive compensation for your injuries.
What to Do After a Car Accident: Call a Miami Auto Accident Lawyer for More Information
You need a lawyer you can trust to become your advocate both in and out of court. If you are still unsure about what to do after a car accident, call Lavent Law Personal Injury Lawyer for immediate help and to have all your questions answered. Call us now at (305) 257-9464, or contact us online.
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