No one expects to be involved in an auto collision. They plan to go to work, school or another activity safely.
Unfortunately, crashes do happen, and there is a chance that you could suffer a personal injury as a result.
To help yourself get through this situation and get the compensation that you deserve, here are five steps you should take.
- Call 911 to report the collision
The first thing to do after a crash is to report the collision as soon as you can. If there are injuries, you need to call 911 to get paramedics to the scene. Usually, calling 911 will get the police, the fire department and paramedics to come to the scene immediately.
- Protect yourself when talking to the police
Next, remember to protect yourself when you talk to the police. Don’t say or do anything that could make them think you’re taking the blame for the crash. Keep your discussions factual.
At this point, it may also be helpful to take photos at the scene and of the officers’ information, so you can refer back to it later.
- Go to the emergency room
The next step is to go to the emergency room to have a physical exam. You may need different kinds of imaging scans, surgery or other treatments, so follow your doctor’s orders at that time.
- Keep your documents in order
No matter what happens from the time of the crash onward, you need to keep track of your documents. Keep copies of medical paperwork, fees, receipts, time lost at work and other documents. You’ll need those for your personal injury claim.
- Talk to your attorney
Finally, be ready to talk to your attorney as you prepare to make a claim. The at-fault driver may be held accountable for the injuries that you’ve suffered from, but how much you get can vary based on negotiating skill.
Your attorney will help you understand your rights and what you need to produce to build a case with the best chances of getting the kind of compensation that you want.