Being in a car accident is stressful and confusing, especially if it’s your first accident. As unlikely as it may seem, there is actually a right way to deal with a car accident and a not-so-right way. The next time you’re in an accident, whether it’s a minor fender bender or a major crash, remember these common mistakes to avoid after a traffic accident:
- Neglecting to Call the Police. Following an accident, it is extremely important to notify the police. Not only is it important because you may need them to handle any emergency responder or criminal issues that might happen, it is also important because the notes that they take can provide valuable information if you need to pursue a personal injury lawsuit. Police accident reports are incredibly valuable in terms of providing an official record of what may have happened and who was involved.
- Forgetting to Collect the Other Driver’s Information. When you’re in an accident with another driver or motorist, it is also extremely important to get that driver’s information. This includes their driver’s license plate number, their name and contact information, and the name of their insurance provider. If there are witnesses at the scene of the accident who are willing to give their contact information, you should gather that as well.
- Forgetting to Collect Evidence. If someone asked you to prove that your car was damaged in an accident, what would you do? One of the best ways that you can collect evidence of an accident on your own is to take pictures at the scene of the accident. This allows you to capture exactly how things are — what parts of your vehicle are damaged, how the cars “landed” after colliding, and how they were positioned compared to one another. Cell phones can be incredibly handy for allowing you to immediately collect evidence of your auto accident.
- Not Seeing a Doctor. The unfortunate reality is that many accident-related injuries don’t show up immediately. True, a broken bone or laceration is immediately visible, but soft tissue injuries from car accidents and whiplash don’t always show symptoms right away. If you don’t seek medical attention following an accident, it can be hard to later prove that your injuries are related to the accident.
- Neglecting to Call a Lawyer. Police and doctors aren’t the only professionals you should consult after an accident. If you are in an auto accident, it is vitally important that you get the advice of an experienced, qualified personal injury attorney. A lawyer can help you understand how to deal with the insurance companies, what damages you may be able to recover, and how to protect your personal injury case.
If you are in an accident, don’t make these common mistakes. And, be sure to call Milwaukee personal injury attorney Karl Gebhard for a free consultation regarding your case. All personal injury services are offered on a contingency basis.