What You Should Do After A Car Accident

After a car accident, your adrenaline is pumping. You may be shaken, upset and even injured. Your immediate thoughts are probably in regard to your safety, and rightly so. However, what you do following an accident can make a huge difference when it comes time to file an insurance claim and seek compensation for your injuries.

If you are involved in an auto accident, here are six things you should do to protect your legal rights to compensation.

Call Law Enforcement to the Scene of the Accident

After a car crash, you should call law enforcement to the scene of the accident. Law enforcement will conduct an investigation of the accident and determine how the accident occurred. Law enforcement may also ask you, the other driver and any witnesses for a statement. In many cases, law enforcement will create an accident report. The accident report can provide critical information that will help you receive compensation for you injuries, such as who is responsible for the accident.

Take Photos of the Accident

Photographs can provide evidence as to how an auto accident occurred. Fortunately, you do not need a professional camera to document the scene of the accident; a phone camera is more than sufficient. Be sure to photograph all of the damage that you see, as well as any injuries that you have suffered.

Exchange Information with the Other Driver and Witnesses

After an accident, it is critical that you request the driver’s license number and contact information for any other drivers involved. In addition, you may want to collect contact information of other individuals who may have witnessed the accident. Having the ability to contact other parties involved, as well as witnesses, will be important as you seek compensation for your injuries.

Seek Medical Treatment for Your Injuries

Auto accident injuries are not always apparent following an accident. You may experience a rush of adrenaline, preventing you from experiencing any immediate pain or soreness. In addition, your clothing may be hiding minors cuts and bruises. Seeing a doctor after an auto accident will help you receive the treatment you need to make a full physical recovery. In addition, a medical diagnosis will be helpful in proving damages when seeking compensation for your injuries.

Don’t Sign Anything

Auto insurance companies want to minimize the amount that they pay to you in damages for your car accident injuries - they do not have your best interests in mind. Consult with a personal injury attorney prior to signing any paperwork to make sure you fully understand what you are signing for.

Work with a Personal Injury Attorney

Although hiring an attorney to help you recover for your auto accident injuries can be intimidating, doing so will relieve you of the burden and stress of dealing with the insurance companies on your own. A personal injury attorney with experience handling auto accident cases will help you uncover all sources of financial recovery for your losses.

Contact Laureti & Associates, A.P.C. Today

If you have been injured in an auto accident in San Diego, contact San Diego personal injury attorney Anthony Laureti today. Our team has over 27 years of experience representing victims of auto accidents throughout Southern California. We will conduct a thorough investigation to discern the extent of your - and the other party’s - liability, and we can vigorously represent your interests in a court of law. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.

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