Overview
After a car accident you may feel overwhelmed. It is important to take the following steps:
Seek Medical Attention
If you have suffered injury, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. If you appear to be uninjured, you should still seek medical attention immediately. You should do so even if you are not feeling any immediate pain, as there are conditions that typically result from the impact of an auto accident that may not present themselves outwardly for quite some time. It is always better to be safe than sorry.
Collect Information
If you are involved in an accident, you should first contact the police so that authorities can come to the scene and a report can be generated. You will need to collect the contact and insurance information from the other driver. No matter what happens, do not discuss the details of the accident with the other driver – it’s best to simply and politely offer an exchange of information.
In addition, take photos of the damage and area. If you have visible injuries, photograph them as well. Having photos will help build your case to insurance companies and in litigation if necessary.
Seek Professional Help
The next step you should take is to contact a personal injury lawyer. An attorney can explain to you what documentation you should bring to your initial consultation to make it as productive as possible. There are certain timeframes in which you must file a lawsuit, and it is therefore important to contact an attorney as soon as possible.