Following an auto collision, both parties involved in the incident have many questions. These questions range from what you should do immediately following the accident to how to take your case to court against the other driver. Your car accident lawyer Cherry Hill professional offers answers to many of these questions so you can know the proper protocol the next time you’re involved in a collision.
What’s the first thing I should do after getting into an accident?
The first thing you should do if possible is to see if anyone has been injured. If one or more individuals have suffered an injury, call 911. Even if there aren’t any major injuries, you should call 911 to get the police and paramedics to the scene as fast as possible.
What information should I get after the accident?
As soon as the accident scene is secured and you have determined that nobody has been seriously injured, you should start gathering information. First and foremost, you should get the other driver’s information, including their contact information, their driver’s license number and their insurance information. Next, write down the license plate numbers of all vehicles involved in the collision. Finally, talk to the witnesses at the scene. If they are willing to testify as to what they saw if the case goes to court, write down their contact information as well.
What should I say to the police when they arrive?
When the police arrive at the scene, you should tell them the truth about how the accident happened. Do not lie about anything. However, you don’t have to volunteer that the accident was your fault. Even if you think it may have been your fault, it’s better to not comment about it at this time. If you take the blame at this point, it may be used against you in your case and could reduce the compensation you receive or even result in you receiving no compensation at all. Fault for legal purposes should be determined either by the insurance companies or via your legal case. Your car accident lawyer Cherry Hill professional can give you more tips on what you should and shouldn’t say to the police.
Should I get medical attention even if I’m not injured?
The answer to this is a resounding yes. You should never refuse medical attention at the scene of an accident for several reasons. For one thing, it provides you with a record that you sought treatment following the collision. This makes your injuries more credible if you go to court or if you’re seeking a settlement. But it’s also for your physical well-being. There are many injuries you may not even know you have incurred because the pain and other symptoms may not occur for several hours or even days. By getting checked by a medical professional right away, you can determine if you have any problems that need to be dealt with.
