What Should I Do Right After My Accident?
If you have suffered a personal injury, you will probably be dealing with some level of shock. It is incredibly common to become unsure of what to do, be shaky, upset, and not feel the full extent of your injuries. At Greenstein & Milbauer, LLP, we work with many clients who thought they were fairly okay after a car wreck, only to be in terrible pain as the shock wore off. With that in mind, it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with the steps you need to take in case you are ever in this situation.
Steps to Take After a Personal Injury
#1 – Get to safety.
If you were in a wreck, you need to do what you can to get out of the way so you are not hit a second time. This can mean moving your car over to the shoulder or staying inside your vehicle until help arrives.
#2 – Call the police.
When an officer arrives at the scene, they can help make arrangements for getting your car towed and you out of harm’s way. They can also write a police report that will document the details of the accident, something that will become important when moving forward with your injury claim. If you were injured at a store, you will need to file a report with the manager instead of the police.
#3 – Exchange information.
You will need the name, phone number, address, driver’s license number, insurance information, and license plate number of the person who hit you. This way, we can contact them and their insurance company when filing your claim.
#4 – Take pictures.
Grab your smartphone and take pictures of everything you see. After a personal injury, you may not be thinking clearly enough to remember everything that happened, the conditions of the road, what their car looked like, etc.
#5 – Write it down.
If you have a notepad or a notes app on your phone, write down everything you can remember about what happened leading up to and during the accident. This information will be useful in preparing for your case and for when you need to provide a testimony in court.
#6 – Go to the doctor.
It is critical that you visit the doctor even if you are not sure of the extent of your injuries. Shock makes the body ignore many of the symptoms that would otherwise bother you. A doctor can make sure you do not have any internal injuries, brain damage, or other physical problems.
For Help With a Personal Injury, Schedule a Free Consultation!
At Greenstein & Milbauer, LLP, we can help you recover the financial compensation you deserve. If you have been in an accident and suffered a personal injury, do not take for granted that you will be treated fairly or that you will receive a reasonable offer for your claim. The only way to ensure this is to work with a seasoned attorney who the insurance company will take seriously. You only have a set period of time to file your claim, so make that call sooner than later. To get started, call 1 (800) 842-8462 or click here to schedule a free consultation.