4 Things You Should Do Before Leaving The Scene Of A Car Accident

If you are injured in a car accident, you may be unsure of what to do before you leave the scene of the accident. Mistakes made at the scene of an accident can lower your ability to receive compensation for your injuries.  Here are a few measures you should take before you leave the scene of a car accident:

Take pictures.

Before the cars are moved, be sure to take pictures of the scene of the accident. The positioning of the cars may be important in determining who is at fault in the incident. In addition, the photographs can record the weather conditions, which may also affect the assignment of fault.

If there are details that can be displayed in a picture, such as skid marks on the road, it is best to take photographs of them. You should also be sure to photograph the damages sustained by the vehicles involved. Sometimes, without a visual representation of the physical damage, they can seem more or less serious than they actually are.

Get names and phone numbers.

If there were people present who witnessed the accident, it is best to record their names and phone numbers. Their statements can help provide unbiased records of the event. This can be important if the insurance company of the party at fault tries to assign fault to you.

Call law enforcement.

You should always call the police when an accident occurs. He or she is able to make an official report of the accident. The report will include important information, such as the names and addresses of the drivers involved. In addition, the license plates of the vehicles are present in the report.

The police officer also records what transpired during the incident. He or she may even take photographs. However, it is still best to maintain your own separate records.

If you are injured, ask for medical help.

If you are injured during an accident, it is best to request medical help. Emergency medical personnel can be called to the scene to treat your injuries. If your injuries are serious, you may be transported to a local hospital for treatment.

Delaying treatment or failing to ask for medical care at the scene of an accident may cause the other parties involved to question the validity of your injuries. If too much time transpires between the accident and the seeking of medical treatment, the responsible insurance company may assume that your injuries were not associated with the car accident.

If you have been involved in an accident, schedule a consultation with a personal injury attorney in your area. He or she can help you receive the highest accident compensation.


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