If you have been involved in a car wreck, there are several actions you should take in order to help protect any future claims you may have against the person at fault for the wreck. Because a wreck is unexpected, it may be difficult to remain calm in the immediate aftermath. By having some familiarity with the steps you should take afterward, you can be better prepared to take action that can increase the chance of filing a successful claim for damages in the future.
Stop Following a Wreck
After a wreck has occurred, it is important to remain at the scene. Failing to stay at the scene (commonly known as a hit and run) can lead to criminal charges against you. Initially, you should check to make sure that no one involved in the wreck requires assistance or urgent medical treatment. If someone is hurt, you should contact emergency personnel immediately.
It is a natural reflex to want to apologize to the other driver after a wreck, even if you do not believe you were at fault. This reaction should be avoided because it may be interpreted to mean that you were responsible in some way, which can negatively affect any future claims. Similarly, admitting fault to the other driver or passengers should be avoided, even if you believe you were responsible, as the other driver may also be at fault. When the police arrive and begin asking you questions to generate the wreck report, you should provide an honest description of what happened without stating that you were at fault.
Immediately after the wreck is the best time to take note of the scene. You should pay attention to things like the weather conditions, traffic signals or signs, and traffic conditions. It may be helpful to write these things down. In addition, if possible take photographs of the scene and the vehicles. All of this can end being important and beneficial when it comes time to negotiate with the other driver’s insurance company or during litigation.
If you have any amount of pain, you should be immediately evaluated by a healthcare professional as soon as possible following the wreck. While the pain may be minor immediately after the wreck, it may increase as your adrenaline level (stress and shock do this) lowers or time passes. Additionally, it may be indicative of a more serious issue.
Seeking medical treatment will not only help you get better, it also strengthens any personal injury claim you make in the future. If you do not seek medical treatment close in time to the wreck, it can be argued that the injury is not as serious as you claim. Alternatively, a large gap in time between the wreck and treatment can make it more difficult to prove that the injury was caused by the wreck.
While receiving treatment, it is important to keep track of all diagnosed injuries and treatment administered. You should retain all medical bills and receipts for prescriptions. If any of your injuries are physically visible, you should take photographs of them. This will be helpful in demonstrating the seriousness of those injuries later, when they may no longer be visible.
Car wreck Law Firm
If you have been involved in a car wreck, you may be able to recover for the damages to your vehicle and for any injuries you sustain. For more information about claims arising out of car wrecks, contact Fayetteville attorney Jonathan Wade today. We look forward to hearing from you.
