If you’re ever in a car accident in the future, it will be helpful to your injury claim to document as much evidence as possible. When you’re able to document the scene just after the accident occurred, it makes it easier for the attorneys and the insurance companies to determine fault. Even though the insurance companies will conduct their own investigation, the more evidence you supply, the easier the whole process will be.
Assuming you are not injured so badly that you have to be taken to the nearest hospital immediately after the accident, there is still much you can do. But, before you begin documenting the scene, first you need to check to see if anyone is hurt and needs medical attention, and call 911 and have the police dispatched to the scene and possibly the paramedics. Those are your first duties at an accident scene.
Once you have called 911 for help, next you can do the following:
- Use your smartphone to take pictures of the accident scene. Take pictures of where the vehicles landed, as well as skid marks.
- Take a video of the scene; make sure you capture footage that shows the weather, any skid marks, and what the traffic conditions are like.
- Get the names and numbers of any witnesses.
- If you didn’t call the police earlier, call them now. You need a police report – it will help your case.
- If the other driver is not badly injured, exchange driver’s license numbers, insurance information, registration numbers, license plate numbers, your names, phone numbers, and home addresses.
What Should I Say?
After being in a car or truck accident, a lot of people are very nervous. Their adrenaline may be rushing and they aren’t exactly thinking clearly. Whatever you do, don’t admit guilt. Don’t say, “Oh, I’m so sorry, it’s all my fault!” because it may not be your fault at all. Instead, stick to the facts, do your best to document the scene, and let the insurance companies figure out who was liable for the accident.
If you are ever in an accident, we urge you to contact our Columbia personal injury firm for assistance filing a claim. To learn more about our credentials, visit our office profile and case results pages.