Far too often, car accident victims make mistakes that create unnecessary challenges and obstacles. Unfortunately, dealing with insurance adjusters is never easy, so it’s crucial to take specific steps following a crash that allow you to focus on your recovery. It’s our goal to help you understand the five most critical things you can do after a crash to safeguard your rights.
The 5 things you want to do include:
- Contact an attorney
- Report the accident
- Gather information
- Take pictures
- Get medical care
1. Contact an Attorney
While the rest of this list won’t necessarily be in chronological order, we highly advise you to contact an attorney before reporting the accident to your insurance company. Insurance companies are large corporations that prioritize their profits, and they’re not always looking out for your best interests. An attorney can help you file a claim from the very beginning while protecting your rights.
Contacting an attorney as soon as possible can also help you get someone on your side to preserve evidence and build your case. The sooner you act, the better it is and prevents insurance adjusters from using devious tactics to take advantage of a vulnerable situation.
2. Report the Accident
You can have your attorney report the crash to your insurance provider, but you should report it to local law enforcement. If injuries occur, make sure you let the dispatcher know so that they can send out emergency medical technicians.
Having local law enforcement on the scene can benefit your case because the police report helps paint a picture of how the crash occurred. It may include statements from both parties, as well as witnesses.
3. Gather Information
Politely speak with the driver you feel was responsible for your crash and subsequent injuries. Ask to have their driver’s license and contact information, as well as their insurance provider information. You can provide the information you receive to your legal team to begin filing your claim.
4. Take Pictures
Take pictures of the following:
- Where the crash occurred – You can show signs of negligence such as tire marks, missing traffic lights, etc.
- Where damage on each vehicle exists – Showing all vehicles’ damages can help accident reconstructionists prove who was at fault for the accident.
- Where you or passengers sustain injuries – Take photos of your visible injuries, as well as injuries your passengers may sustain.
Your photos can be valuable evidence to pursue compensation. The photos can play a crucial role in helping you obtain the compensation you deserve.
5. Get Medical Care
Your well-being is a top priority. Ensure you see a medical professional as soon as you can. You need to receive a diagnosis regarding your injuries, as well as a treatment plan to recover. Seeing a medical professional allows you to start your recovery and provides you with a medical record to build your case.
The sooner you get medical care, the better. Any delay gives insurance companies a chance to minimize or deny your claim. If you have latency issues with your injuries, you still want to seek medical care to receive a proper diagnosis.
Our North Dakota car accident attorneys at Pringle & Herigstad, P.C. stand prepared to help you seek compensation. We are your path to justice, helping you hold negligence accountable at every step of the process. Count on our team to be your trusted advocates, and we’ll go above and beyond for you.
