After a Car Accident, Take These 5 Steps

No one plans on getting into a car accident, but when it happens, it can be shocking. If you find yourself lost and discombobulated after being hit by another vehicle, here are five steps you should know to take.

Call the Police

Before you call a personal injury lawyer in Guelph, call the police so they can investigate the accident scene. There are many reasons you may need an official report of the accident, but one of the most common is that insurance companies requires the information and file number before it will accept the claim.

Take Pictures

If you have a phone on you, take pictures. Take pictures of the damage to your vehicle, the accident scene, inside your vehicle, and any redness on your body. Take pictures of the other vehicle, the license plate, and the other vehicle’s driver, as well. Ask the other party how they are feeling and take a video if possible. If the driver has an insurance card and driver’s license, take pictures of both the back and front.

Pictures can be an invaluable source of evidence.

Exchange Information

Sometimes the police can not come to the scene of your vehicle accident, when that happens, make sure you snap off a few pictures of the people inside the car, ask for identifying information, and the name of their insurance company. In return, offer your driving information and insurance company name. Make sure you get the driver’s and passenger’s information if you believe they are playing a switcheroo game.

Contact an Attorney

Once you have the other driver’s information, contact a personal injury attorney. He or she can help you file insurance claim forms, find a physical therapist, and understand the legal process.

Seek Medical Care

If your injuries are bad, go to an emergency room right away. If you feel okay at the accident scene, but you have aches and pains the morning after, present to your primary physician and seek medical care. If your attorney recommends filing a claim for compensation against the other driver, you may need to prove you have injuries in order to receive payment for your medical care.

Car accidents are not something you expect to have happen to you on any given day, but when they do occur, with the help of the list above, you can know what steps to take. Being aware and prepared can alleviate some of your stress.