You were involved in a car accident and you are not sure if you need to get a lawyer. If it was a minor crash, without any injuries or damage to vehicles, then you may not need one.
However, if the crash has caused serious injury or significant property damage, then it is likely worth the investment of an experienced attorney to help you get the compensation that you deserve.
1. Collect Evidence
The first thing you need to do after a car accident that wasn’t your fault is to collect evidence. This may include photos and video of the scene, information from witnesses, and other documents that can help your case.
Obtaining the other driver’s contact information and insurance policy is also important, as this can help you file a claim. If possible, exchange this information with them at the scene of the crash.
2. Gather Information
After a car accident, you may be feeling confused about who was at fault. This is normal, and it’s also a good idea to start gathering information as soon as possible.
Gathering the right information can help you in a number of ways, including proving fault and getting compensation for your injuries.
You should collect contact information from the other driver or drivers, as well as the names and numbers of any witnesses. You should also take pictures of the accident scene, your car and any injuries you sustained.
3. Gather Witnesses
If you can get witness statements from people who stopped at the accident scene, it’s a great way to strengthen your case. They can also provide a valuable source of evidence for your lawyer.
The witnesses’ recollections will only last for a short time, so make sure you collect their information fairly quickly after the crash.
Ideally, you should try to find neutral witnesses who aren’t related to you or the other driver. These could be passersby, construction workers, or people who live or work nearby the accident site.
4. Seek Medical Attention
After a car accident that wasn’t your fault, it is important to seek medical attention for any injuries you might have sustained. This will help you determine what kind of injuries you have, and it might also help you get compensation for your injuries.
While some injuries may not appear right away, they can still cause serious long-term problems if left untreated. These include things like whiplash and concussions.
5. Call the Police
When you call the police for a car accident that wasn’t your fault, they will arrive on the scene and investigate what happened. They will also take statements from all involved and witnesses.
You should write down all the details of your accident including the weather, road conditions, and any injuries you sustained. You should also collect the other driver’s insurance information. This is a very important step, as it will be helpful in your case.
6. Call Your Insurance Company
Often, a car accident can be hard to deal with on your own. Even more so when you learn that the crash was not your fault and you have been injured.
Fortunately, you can get the help of an attorney to take care of this for you. But first, you need to know what to do when dealing with the other driver’s insurance company.
The adjuster will likely want to see a copy of your insurance policy and any records that prove your injuries were legitimate. They also may be looking for any documents that show the other driver’s fault for the accident, such as cell phone records.
7. Hire an Attorney
A car accident can be a devastating experience. You may feel grateful to be alive, worried about your injuries or unsure as to whether or not you are responsible for the crash.
Regardless of your emotions, it’s important to do everything you can to ensure that you are treated immediately and properly. This includes calling 911 and staying on the scene until the police respond to the scene.