A serious car accident can leave you with debilitating injuries that are so costly to treat they threaten your financial security. Fortunately, victims have the right to pursue compensation from the party liable for their injuries; however, if they fail to take certain steps immediately following the incident, they may jeopardize their chances of securing a fair settlement. Below, a car accident injury attorney from Salerno & Associates in Omaha, NE, shares five essential steps to take after getting in a motor vehicle collision to protect your best interests.

5 Steps to Take After a Crash From a Car Accident Injury Attorney

1. Call the Police

In the state of Nebraska, a collision must be reported if it resulted in bodily injury or death or caused property damage that exceeds $1,000. Since there is essentially no way to determine just how much damage occurred while you’re still at the scene, it is wise to call the police even if the crash appears minor. This will also ensure you have a valid police report documenting the incident should you decide to file a personal injury claim later. 

2. Pull Out of Traffic

If possible, pull your vehicle out of the flow of traffic to reduce the risk of a subsequent collision. Do not stray too far from the scene, though, because doing so could result in hit and run charges.  

3. Exchange Information With Those Involved

Get the contact and insurance information of any other motorists involved. If there were passengers or witnesses, write down their contact information as well. Your car accident injury attorney may need to reach out to them when building your claim. You should also get the names and badge numbers of any police officers who respond to the scene.

4. Seek Medical Attention

When collisions involve multiple cars, there are often multiple injuries. In such a scenario, responders must triage the victims and treat those who sustained the most severe damage first. If you do not require medical care at the scene, it is still essential to visit your doctor or a local urgent care center as soon as possible. Even if you feel fine, you may have sustained injuries that have latent symptoms. Additionally, if you wait too long to seek medical attention, the opposing party might argue the accident was not actually the cause of your injuries.

5. Call a Lawyer

The sooner you call an accident injury attorney, the stronger your case will be. A lawyer will prevent you from making mistakes early in the proceedings, like giving a recorded statement before knowing the true extent of your injuries.

If you need an auto accident attorney in Omaha, NE, contact Salerno & Associates. Their team takes a compassionate approach to assisting clients but remains aggressive when facing the opposing party. You can learn more about the firm’s experience representing those who sustained an auto injury by visiting their website. To schedule an initial consultation with a car accident injury attorney today, call (402) 502-9002.