Steps to take to Protect your Legal Rights After an Accident (Infographic)

Collect as Much Evidence You Can

Car crashes often have a chaotic aftermath that often results in a few injuries that may require immediate medical attention. While getting the injured the medical treatment that they need should be the main priority, taking the time to document everything about the accident is vital for your compensation.

After an accident, police often conduct their investigation and compile it under a single report documenting the incident. But while some police officers are thorough in their investigation, others are not, and you do not want to lose evidence for vital witnesses by relying on the police report.

Since good evidence is the key to winning your claim, the following information and files can increase the possibility of obtaining a settlement that compensates you for your injuries.

Contact Information

Obtain contact information for the driver and passengers. Exchange numbers, addresses, drivers’ license numbers, license plate numbers, and license provider and policy number from all drivers involved. In talking to other drivers, try to be cordial and cooperative.

Witness Accounts

The more witnesses who can corroborate your version of events will make your claim stronger. If there are witnesses, make sure to get their names and contact information. Get a sense of what they saw to happen by asking questions and soliciting information and ask if they will be willing to put their statement in writing or give a verbal statement.

Photographs

Since most people have cameras on their phones, anyone can easily take pictures with just a tap on their phone. You need to photograph the scene of the accident, any damage to your vehicle or the other party’s vehicle, and any apparent injuries you have sustained.

It will also be essential to photograph the surrounding scene of the accident, such as a traffic light, sign, or lack thereof that contributed to the accident, especially if it disputes liability.

Photos taken with smartphones automatically has the date of when it was taken for when they need to be authenticated. In the unlikely chance that you don’t have your phone with you, you can ask the witness if they will be willing to take pictures.

Medical Documents

Medical records are the critical element in recovering the damages from the responsible party or their insurance company.

It serves as evidence for your injuries in the accident as a medical professional can provide the cause of the injuries and medical treatment that you want to be compensated for as well as the probability of future treatment you may need for your injuries.

The copies of your medical reports and bills will also help prove your medical expenses later.

Take note of the doctors, physical therapists, chiropractors, or other medical professionals that you receive as well as the medical providers that referred you to other caregivers. Keep a detailed account of the treatments and medications.

Documenting your medical expenses can be done easily, but pain and suffering are much more challenging to prove.

A journal recounting the impact of your injuries on your daily life should be helpful. In your records, including missed workdays, any routine activities you have to miss, and descriptions of how it affected your family life.

Other details that should be documented are the name and contact details of the adjuster in charge of your case, as well as the receipts of all the expenditures that you might have incurred at a later stage so that it is easier to total the amount of your claim.