If you have been injured in an accident, the first thing on your mind is probably your physical condition.
At the moment of the crash, fall, or another event, you may not be thinking about who will pay your medical bills or your lost wages. However, it is very important to determine quickly who is responsible for the accident, as this person and his or her insurance company will figure prominently in your ability to pay for these expenses in the future. With the help of an experienced personal injury attorney, it is usually possible to determine who is at fault in your accident and who is responsible for paying your expenses.
- If possible, get information at the scene. It is not always possible to find out what you need to know at the scene, but if you can, at least try to obtain names, addresses, and phone numbers. One of the easiest things to do is ask a passenger or other trusted bystander to snap a photo of the other party’s driver’s license with a phone. This will ensure you have the information necessary to contact the person again once you have received medical treatment.
- Ask for help. If there are any witnesses to the accident, be sure to ask for their information as well. You may also be able to enlist witnesses to send you photos or other information they have from the accident. This can often provide valuable information about the moments leading up to your injury. Many bystanders are willing to help if approached at the scene. At a minimum, you should find out the names and addresses of the witnesses. Ask for someone to help you gather this information if you are not able to do so.
- Make your own photos. In addition to relying on those who made photos at the scene, you should try to get your own photos as well. Be sure to photograph the approach, the site of the accident, the damages to you or your vehicle, and anything ese that might be important if you file a personal injury claim.
- Get a copy of the police report as soon as possible. If you are involved in a crash, it is crucial that you get a copy of the police report as soon as possible. This report will contain valuable information that will help you pinpoint the person or entity responsible for your injuries.
Gathering information at the scene of your accident is important, but just as important is knowing who to trust with this information. An experienced personal injury lawyer like those at Barber & Associates can help. We have been working with victims of all types of accidents for years, and we can give you the advice and support you need to recover compensation to pay for your medical bills, pain and suffering, and other losses. Give us a call today to learn how we can help you get your life back after an accident.