What Information to Gather at the Scene of an Accident
The moments after an accident can be stressful and confusing, especially if there are injuries or damage to vehicles. Try to remain calm after a crash. If you can gather information at the scene of the accident, it can help in a personal injury case that could arise after the accident, no matter who was at fault. Seeking guidance from our skilled Virginia car accident lawyers can help avoid confusion and ensure your claim is handled correctly.
What You Should Gather Post-Accident and Why It Matters
First, it’s important to note that seeking medical attention after an accident is extremely important. Even if you don’t feel like you are hurt, your body may be coursing with adrenaline, which can mask pain. Always seek medical care as soon as you can after an accident.
No matter how minor the accident may be, you will want to gather information at the scene. These details can be incredibly important later on as you may not remember the details as clearly as you think you will.
Some vital information to gather after a crash includes:
- Personal Information. Get the name and contact information of anyone involved in the accident, including drivers, passengers, and witnesses.
- Driver’s license and insurance information. Take down the other parties' driver’s license numbers and insurance policy details. This information is essential for filing insurance claims and can be key in determining liability.
- Vehicle Information. Record the make and model of all involved vehicles, along with their license plate numbers.
- Accident details. Note specific details such as the accident's location, date, and time.
- Weather conditions. Document the weather conditions at the time of the accident, which could have contributed to the cause of the collision. You could also screenshot the weather app on your phone to provide additional proof of the weather.
- Vehicle damage. Take photos or videos of the damage to all vehicles involved in the accident from multiple angles. Visual evidence can help prove the extent of the damage.
- Accident scene. Photograph the accident scene, including road conditions, traffic signs, and nearby landmarks. These visuals can help reconstruct the events leading up to the accident in court.
Steps to Take After a Car Accident
Information gathering is important, but so is following proper steps immediately after the accident to report it. In addition to gathering evidence, you should do the following:
- Report the accident. Call 9-1-1 immediately to notify the police. They will file an accident report, which can be important evidence later. You will want a copy of this report for your records.
- Call your insurance company. Call your auto insurance provider to report the accident and start the claims process. Stick to the facts of what happened, and don’t elaborate without consulting with your lawyer.
- Seek medical attention. As stated previously, seek medical attention even if you feel fine, as some injuries may not be immediately obvious. Medical records can serve as evidence of injuries sustained as a result of the accident.
- Contact a lawyer. As soon as you can, contact the Virginia personal injury lawyers at Dulaney, Lauer & Thomas, who will advocate for your rights.
Why You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer After an Accident
An experienced personal injury lawyer can be invaluable after an accident. They can help you understand your rights and options under Virginia law, handle insurance company negotiations and communications, and gather evidence to support your case.
Your lawyer will fight to maximize the compensation you could receive for damages incurred from the accident. Damages in a lawsuit can include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Working with a lawyer who has an impressive track record of getting results can help alleviate post-crash anxiety and worry about how you’re going to be reimbursed for accident-related costs. Read testimonials and reviews. Ask questions about how they will handle your case.
Your lawyer can take over discussions with high-pressure insurance representatives who may try to push you to settle for a smaller amount than you could be entitled to recover. And they will fight tirelessly for your rights throughout the duration of the case, even representing you in court if necessary.