Another driver has struck your car, and now, you have a damaged vehicle and an injured body. On top of this, you feel emotionally unsettled.
Unfortunately, sometimes injury-causing car accidents can happen as a result of another driver’s carelessness. Fortunately, you may seek compensation for your injuries in this situation. Here is what you need to do following such an accident to protect your best interests.
What to do at the accident scene
Before you leave the scene of the accident, it is paramount that you contact the police. The responding police officer can put together a report detailing the accident, and this may help you in court as you seek compensation for your injuries.
In addition, it is a wise idea to speak to witnesses at the crash scene. You might also want to gather their names, addresses and phone numbers, if possible. You could even ask local citizens if they have ever seen other car crashes in the location where your accident took place. The more information you can gather from witnesses, the stronger your case may become.
What to do after the crash
Once you leave the crash scene, it is critical that you see a doctor as soon as possible. Your doctor should be able to evaluate you and refer you to other medical experts as needed. For instance, you may need to receive care from a chiropractor or physical therapist, depending on the nature of your injuries.
When you are receiving treatment for your injuries, you may want to create notes about all of the medical providers you saw, as well as the medications and treatments you received. You could also request a copy of each medical report or bill, which will help you to prove your accident-related medical costs later.
Your rights following an injury-causing motor vehicle accident
If another driver has harmed you due to his or her negligence, you may file a personal injury claim against this individual, seeking the reimbursement of monetary damages. If you are able to establish liability before the court hearing your case, a judge may award you damages to cover your medical costs, property damage costs and other expenses tied to the accident. A damage award may also help you to address any emotional distress resulting from the collision.