Did you know that the average person is expected to be in multiple motor vehicle accidents in their lifetime? Of course, not all motor vehicle accidents are deadly or cause injury, but nevertheless, the statistic reminds us of the importance of preparation in the event you are involved in an accident. In the post-car accident chaos it is not always easy to think clearly, so knowing in advance the steps to take if you are in a motor vehicle accident is incredibly important.
Read on to discover the four important steps to take if you are ever in a motor vehicle accident.
1. Check for Injuries & Seek Medical Treatment
The first and most important step is to ensure that you and your passengers are safe. Should anyone in your vehicle sustain injuries from the crash, call 911, and seek appropriate medical attention immediately. Be sure to document your injuries and medical treatment, if applicable. This will come in handy later when working with a car accident lawyer. Getting injured in a crash is scary, but preparing ahead and consulting with a personal injury lawyer right away can ease the stress surrounding the post-crash process.
2. Document Everything
Much like you should document any medical treatment after the crash, it is smart to document as much as possible regarding the crash. Car accident lawyers recommend taking photographs of everything you can, such as the damage to the vehicles and the location of the crash. Take note of the police officers that arrive at the scene and write down their names and badge numbers for future reference. Obtain a copy of the accident report from the appropriate law enforcement agency when it is ready. All of this information will come in handy when speaking with a car accident lawyer or personal injury lawyer down the line, or when dealing with insurance companies.
You should also make sure to take down the information of the driver of the other vehicle. You should be sure to get the other driver’s name, contact phone number, insurance information, and license plate number. Gather the name and contact information of any witnesses. You never know what information will be needed later, so it is best to prepare ahead of time so you will have the necessary documentation, which will help when hiring a personal injury lawyer.
3. Contact Your Insurance Company
After a motor vehicle accident you should contact your insurance company regarding the crash in order to begin the claims process. This is not usually anyone’s favorite step but it’s important to avoid any unnecessary legal troubles that come from failing to report the accident. Though car accidents usually leave people feeling frazzled, promptly beginning the claims process with the insurance company will be one thing off your plate. You should obtain a claim number from your insurance company to be used when you seek medical treatment. If you are concerned about talking to your insurance company, call a personal injury attorney first.
4. Obtain An Experienced Personal Injury Attorney
If you are injured in a motor vehicle accident, it is important to contact a personal injury lawyer right away. You will be dealing with insurance companies that want to maximize their profits rather than ensure you get fair compensation, so having an experienced personal injury lawyer on your side saves you time, hassle, and stress. The other driver’s insurance company may try to call you and obtain a recorded statement from you. You should make sure to talk to a personal injury lawyer before talking with, or giving a statement to, the other driver’s insurance company.
Work With Nelson Personal Injury
The personal injury lawyers at Nelson Personal Injury have been handling motor vehicle accident cases in the St. Cloud and Central Minnesota area for over 30 years. We know that personal injury claims can be difficult, and that’s why we work hard to make sure you feel heard, and that you get the compensation to help you on the road to recovery. Find out more about our experienced personal injury lawyers, and how we can help you with your claim by visiting our website: nelsonpersonalinjury.com.