After a car accident, the steps to take after a car accident include getting medical and police support, documenting the scene, and getting relevant contact information.
A Charlotte car accident lawyer can help you file your claim within the time limit.
Get Medical and Police Support Right Away
As soon as you can do so, move yourself out of harm’s way. That often means moving to the side of the roadway if you can do so safely. This prevents additional harm.
Call 911 to report the incident. Request that medical and police support come to your location. Then, follow all directions provided by the dispatcher to safeguard yourself and others.
Do not leave the scene of the accident. When police arrive, only provide them with facts related to the accident, including what happened before, after, and during the accident. Make sure you do not implicate yourself by admitting any type of fault.
Speak with a Charlotte car accident lawyer and get a free consultation today.
Call (980) 294-4931Steps to Take After a Car Accident: Document the Scene of the Accident
The next step to take after a car accident, when it is safe for you to do so, is to document the scene of the accident as thoroughly as you can. Do not put yourself in harm’s way or engage in confrontation with the other parties involved to do this. However, when possible, take these steps to protect yourself throughout the legal process:
- Take photos of the damage to your vehicle, including any debris in the roadway.
- Capture images of the injuries you suffered.
- Take photos of the location and the placement of your vehicle and others in the accident.
- Make sure to capture the roadway conditions and any traffic signals in the area.
- Get photos of any evidence that may be applicable to you, such as evidence of alcohol in the other driver’s car.
In some situations, especially when aggressive drivers are involved, it is not safe to take images of another person’s vehicle, and you should not do so. When possible, record what you see and experience in these challenging cases. Always preserve your well-being.
Get the Contact Information for All of Those Involved
It can be critical to take action to obtain vital information. You also have to share your own information, including your name, contact information, and your insurance information, even if you are not at fault.
When possible, request to see the other driver’s license and insurance card. The fastest way to gather this information is to take photos of both sides of each document. That way, you can use the information if it becomes necessary to do so. Remember, you must share the same information with the other driver.
In addition to these individuals, get the name and contact information for anyone else involved, such as passengers in either vehicle. You also want to request that anyone who stopped to help share their name and contact information as witnesses. This allows you to document critical resources that you may need later when filing a claim.
Get Medical Care Immediately After the Accident
You may not have substantial injuries or feel off just yet, but they can develop in the hours after the accident. You should always visit the local emergency room or urgent care if you have injuries or if you struck your head, abdomen, or any other area. Getting medical care is very important for several reasons after a car accident.
It is not uncommon for victims to suffer serious injuries during an accident but have no outward signs. This is especially true in cases of head injuries, injuries to your abdomen that could lead to internal bleeding, and pain in your neck or back. Sometimes it can be several hours before these symptoms become obvious. That could be putting your health and well-being at risk.
In addition to this, one of the most important benefits of getting care right away is your ability to document that injuries are directly related to the accident. If you wait, the insurance company may claim that something else happened to you after the car accident to cause the injuries. This can make seeking fair compensation more challenging.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer Immediately
As soon as you are safe and receiving the care you need, it is time to bring in a Charlotte personal injury lawyer. Your attorney will help you with all additional aspects of seeking evidence and filing a claim, and that means you do not have to take these steps on your own. Some of the ways a lawyer will help you in these matters include:
- Informing the insurance company of the accident. In serious injury cases, have them notify all involved insurance companies to avoid risk.
- Gathering evidence from all parties, including the police, witnesses, and others involved, can be critical to your case and claim.
- Determining what all of your losses are in an accident, including losses related to medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The sooner you contact them, the easier it is for them to track these costs.
- File and negotiate a claim with the insurance company on your behalf, eliminating your need to be pressured into making unfair decisions.
Many claims are resolved through settlement negotiations before trial. However, if for any reason that is not possible, your attorney will then seek a lawsuit in a court of law within the statute of limitations. For example, in North Carolina (G.S. 1-52 Page 1 § 1‑52), you have three years from the date of the accident to seek a lawsuit.
Schedule a Free Consultation with Our Attorney Now
Call Shane Smith Law after your car accident. Allow our legal team to build a claim for you that represents all of the losses you have. We are ready to offer a free consultation, an important step after a car accident.
