Formulating a plan for what to do in a car accident—before one happens—may set you up for long-term success. Why? If you are seriously injured in an accident, you may need to seek financial compensation in conjunction with lost wages and medical bills. Or the injuries you have sustained may be severe enough that they have an enduring impact on your ability to earn money in the future.
What may get overlooked is that your actions at the accident could directly affect the ensuing legal proceedings. It is understandable and justifiable to think that you will not be in the best frame of mind after something as significant as a car accident.
Though the situation may appear clearcut, several questions may arise after the accident that you hadn’t anticipated:
- What do I do if I am in pain?
- What should I say to the other driver? Or the police?
- Should I just sit in my car and wait for the police?
- What information should I exchange?
- Should I get in the ambulance?
By planning now, you will have a decided course of action to implement later. Nothing will be more important than your safety. If you are injured, focus on getting medical attention. A professional and experienced personal injury attorney can gather the information that you are unable to get yourself.
3 Things To Do
Once you are safe, limit your conversation. When people are nervous, they may try to fill the silence needlessly. And that is why it is important not to offer information without legal advice. Because you may be unsure of the ramifications of your statements, an attorney can assist you.
At some point (depending on your injuries), the police will ask you about the accident. Tell the truth. The police report of your accident will likely be used in your personal injury case. There is no such thing as too much information. If you are able, gather as much information as you can. This includes pictures, witnesses, and names of witnesses.
If you think of your attorney building a case on your behalf, each piece of information serves as a building block. At worst, your legal counsel will simply not use it. At best, it will help you to become financially whole again.
The Patel Law Firm
Patel Law is a client-first firm that solely focuses on personal injury. Because of how much your life can be upturned by an accident, we make every case personal. It’s what our clients expect from us, and we are proud to deliver it. Contact The Patel Law Firm at 361-400-2036 for a free case evaluation.
