What To Do After a Car Accident
An experienced Millburn attorney can help you recover compensation
A car accident only takes seconds to occur, but it can impact your life for months or even years. Things can happen very quickly after a crash. All kinds of questions may run through your mind. How did this happen? Do I need to go to the hospital? Should I call somebody? Many people aren’t sure what to do next.
At The Leigh Law Firm, P.C., we know that there can be a lot of confusion following a crash. If you were hurt in Millburn or anywhere in Essex or Union counties, New Jersey car accident attorney David Leigh can help. He knows you have questions and can guide you through every step of the process.
If you were involved in a car accident, there are some steps you can take that can help protect your health and your right to recover financial compensation.
Get the police on the scene.
There are several reasons why this is a good idea. First, the police can secure the scene to help keep everyone safe. If anyone is hurt, they can call for an ambulance. And another thing responding officers will do is conduct an initial investigation of the accident. They will gather information and try to determine how the accident happened.
Get medical attention.
When you’ve just been in a crash, you may feel shaken up but otherwise seem OK. It’s normal to just want to go home as soon as possible. You may feel as if seeing a doctor isn’t necessary. But it is in your best interests to get medical attention as soon as possible, no matter what. You could have suffered an injury that has delayed symptoms. Pain in your shoulder or leg may be more serious than you think. A doctor can diagnose your injuries and begin treatment. The doctor will also document your injuries.
Ask for information from the other people involved.
If you are able to, ask the other driver and any witnesses for their contact information. This includes names, addresses, and phone numbers. Also, ask for the driver’s insurance information. But avoid any discussion about who caused the accident or how it happened. That will get sorted out later. Write down the make, model, and license plate number of the other vehicle.
Take photos and video.
Also if you are able to do so, get some photos and video of the accident scene. Try to document the damage to each vehicle, any other property damage, nearby traffic signs and signals, any local landmarks, and any visible injuries you have. Take photos of the collision scene from different angles and distances.
Notify your insurance company.
You are required to let them know that you were involved in an accident. But you don’t have to answer any detailed questions or give a statement. Just stick to the facts of what happened. You are not required to speak to the other driver’s insurance company. If they contact you, politely decline to answer any questions and explain you would like to get legal advice first.
Get a copy of your accident report.
The investigating officer in your crash will complete an accident report. The information in this report will contain valuable information that can help your claim for financial compensation. It will include details about the accident and the people involved, and will also list any possible contributing factors by the other driver – such as speeding or drunk driving.
Call an experienced car accident lawyer.
It’s important to get legal advice as soon as possible following your accident to know what your rights are. You may not be sure if it’s worth contacting a lawyer or even if you have a case. But it’s important to know where you stand. A lawyer can review the details of your crash, go over your legal options, and answer any questions you have.
What if you didn’t follow all of these steps? That’s not necessarily a problem. You may still be able to recover compensation. That’s why it’s important to talk to an attorney.
Attorney David Leigh knows that an accident can affect victims physically, emotionally, and financially. Medical expenses can add up very quickly and it may become difficult to pay all your bills, especially if you are left unable to work.
Attorney Leigh can investigate your crash to get the facts. He knows how to build strong cases that insurance companies have to pay attention to. At one time, he defended insurance companies. He knows the tactics they use – and how to fight back to help you recover the compensation you deserve.
Take action right away with a free consultation
If you were hurt in a car accident in Essex or Union counties, learn more about how we can help. Contact us to schedule a free consultation with a car accident attorney – either at our Millburn office or another location that is convenient for you.