What To Do After a Car Accident
At virtually any minute of the day, there is a car accident taking place somewhere in America. Car accidents are a leading cause of personal injury and financial loss. When someone’s reckless or negligent actions cause a crash, they should be held accountable for all related economic and non-economic damages.
Establishing liability for a collision can be complex. Oftentimes, the steps that a person takes immediately following a crash can hurt or help the determination of fault. Here, the car accident lawyers from Worby Vecchio Edelman, LLP, in White Plains, NY, advise clients on what to do after a car accident to strengthen liability claims so that at-fault parties can be held accountable for related damages.
Seek Medical Attention
If a car accident results in injuries, the priority should always be to seek medical care. For severe injuries, parties should call 911 so that an ambulance can report to the scene and provide immediate assistance. If injuries are minor, or if there are no obvious injuries, individuals should still see a doctor as soon as possible. Sometimes car accidents cause internal injuries that do not produce symptoms until days or weeks following the crash.
Report The Accident To The Police
We strongly recommend that drivers report a car accident to the local police, even if the accident seems to be minor. When an officer responds to the scene of an accident, they create a report that contains key pieces of information regarding the crash, including who was involved, where the accident occured, and who may have caused the collision. A police report can prove a vital piece of evidence in establishing accident liability, so that at-fault parties can be held accountable for collision losses.
Exchange Information
After a car accident, it is essential that involved parties exchange information that is pertinent to an accident investigation. Drivers should exchange driver’s license information, insurance information, license plate numbers of involved vehicles, and basic contact information (name, phone number, and address). Accident witnesses can be essential in establishing who was at-fault for a crash, so drivers should collect contact information from any witnesses as well.
Take Photos Of The Accident Scene
Whether an accident is investigated by an insurance company or a personal injury lawyer, they will gather as much evidence as possible from the accident scene. However, evidence is always strongest immediately after a crash. If possible, we advise our White Plains clients to take photos before leaving the scene of an accident. Photos should be taken of surrounding roads and scenery (including any traffic lights or signals), accident damages, and injuries.
Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company
After drivers have left the scene of an accident, they should report the car accident to their insurance company. The insurance company will collect basic information about the crash, and who was involved so that they can conduct an investigation and determine who they believe is liable for crash damages.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer
Insurance companies do not always accept liability on behalf of their client, and if they do, they may not offer a settlement that accounts for the full extent of accident damages. The best way for drivers to protect themselves after a crash, so that they get the maximum compensation they are due for collision losses, is to contact a knowledgeable car accident lawyer, such as those at Worby Vecchio Edelman, LLP.
Get In Touch
If you have been injured in a car accident, the lawyers at Worby Vecchio Edelman, LLP, can help you hold liable parties accountable for collision damages. To schedule a case review at our White Plains law firm, send us a message online or call (914) 686-3700 at your earliest convenience.
