An accident causes shock, adrenaline, anxiety, fear, and a plethora of other emotions. Unfortunately, these emotions can cause you to forget some of the most important steps you should take that help you protect your rights. Some steps are vital, and a pitfall can negatively impact your ability to obtain compensation for your injuries.
It helps your case to recognize how you can move forward in the most effective manner possible. Below, we’ll explain some of the most important steps you should take after an accident and how they help build the strongest compensation case.
Here are 6 steps you should take:
- Collect information at the accident scene.
- Report your accident to your insurance and local law enforcement.
- Speak with witnesses and collect their statements.
- Take pictures of the damages and accident scene.
- Go to the emergency room or see a doctor quickly.
- Talk to a lawyer about your options.
Call our firm today at (504) 470-3935 if you suffer an injury because of someone else’s negligence.
- Collect Information at the Accident Scene
Make sure you don’t leave the accident scene without first getting information from the other driver(s) involved. The information you should collect includes:
- Driver’s license information
- Contact information
- License plate number
- Insurance company name and policy number
Louisiana is an at-fault state, and you can pursue compensation from the other driver’s insurance company. Give this information to your insurance provider and legal counsel to help you along with the claims-filing process.
- Report Your Accident to Your Insurance and Local Law Enforcement
Two of the first calls you should make after a crash are to your insurance provider and local law enforcement. First, contacting your insurance company allows you to put your statement on record immediately following the crash. This is when your memory is most fresh, and your statement can provide the insurance company with an understanding of what happened in the crash.
You should also report your accident to local law enforcement, especially if injuries and significant property damage is a result. Local law enforcement can take down statements from all parties and create an accident report that you can use as evidence.
- Speak with Witnesses and Collect Their Statements
If anybody at the accident scene saw the crash, make sure you speak with them about what they witnessed. If you can, have the witness write down their statement and sign and date the document to help with your case.
- Take Pictures of Your Damages and Accident Scene
The photos you take after you crash can serve a significant purpose in your case. They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and the pictures you take can tell the story of what occurred in your crash. The pictures you should take include:
- Photos of the accident scene that can show negligence (tire marks, missing traffic signals, etc.)
- Photos of vehicle damage (your vehicle and others involved)
- Photos of any visible injuries you sustain (and injuries your passengers sustain)
- Go to the Emergency Room or See a Doctor Quickly
Your health is a top priority. You should see a doctor soon after the crash to start receiving your treatment. Unfortunately, even if you don’t feel immediate pain, you should see a doctor to receive a diagnosis and get a medical record for your case.
- Talk to a Lawyer About Your Options
Ensure you are protecting your rights by speaking with a lawyer after your accident. An attorney can help you when dealing with insurance adjusters who are more likely to protect their profits instead of helping you with your claim.
At Womac Law Firm, our New Orleans car accident lawyers are committed to your rights. We’ll go above and beyond to give you a voice against negligence. Let us help you pursue compensation when you need it most and be by your side every step of the way.
Call our firm today at (504) 470-3935.