It’s natural for drivers and passengers to feel confused and frightened following auto accidents. Although you may feel overwhelmed,  it’s crucial to take the following steps before leaving the scene. Doing so will strengthen your personal injury case later when you meet with your car accident lawyer.

What to Do After an Auto Collision

1. Get Medical Help

Making sure everyone involved in the collision is okay is the first priority, so call 9-1-1 immediately. Paramedics will treat cuts and set broken bones at the scene, as well as assess passengers and drivers for concussions, whiplash, and other internal injuries.

Emergency responders will document the scope of your injuries. Your car accident lawyer will use the information to link your injuries to the crash. You’ll also need to submit medical evidence with your insurance claim.  

2. Contact the Police

When you call 9-1-1, ask dispatch to also send police to the scene. The officer will write down the names and contact details of all parties involved and help drivers exchange the information.

Drivers’ names and insurance information will also be included in an official police report. The date, time, and location of the accident, as well as a detailed description of the scene and witness statements will be included in the report as well. This information can be used by a car accident lawyer to support your version of events. 

3. Gather Evidence

In addition to the medical and police reports, you’ll want to have pictures to help the auto accident attorney prepare your case. Before leaving the scene, snap photos or take a video of the damage to your car. Make sure to document physical injuries, road debris, skid marks, and anything else that provides a clearer picture of what happened.

Also, note the conditions leading up to the accident, such as puddles on the road.

4. Contact Your Insurance Provider

Report the accident to your auto insurance company as soon as possible. The faster you file a claim, the less time you’ll have to wait to get the vehicle repaired or replaced. Including the accident report, medical records, and photos with the file will help the insurance company reach a settlement faster. Your personal injury lawyer can use the insurance settlement amount to determine how much to ask for in damages. We recommend speaking with your attorney first before you make any sort of recorded statement with the insurance company.

If you were involved in a crash, contact Salley Law Firm, P.A. in Lexington, SC, for help. For over 20 years, the law firm has been helping Lexington County motorists reach settlements following collisions. Find out more about the car accident lawyers’ credentials on the practice’s website and call (803) 356-5000 to start the process.