An auto accident can be an extremely traumatic event, and accidents normally leave victims in a state of immediate shock. However, the period shortly after an auto accident is often crucial to improving the viability of a car accident injury claim. Below are some important actions you can take that will make filing a claim and obtaining a settlement or verdict much easier.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Preparing to file a lawsuit is important, but your health and safety are the most important asset you have. If you were involved in a collision with another vehicle, you need to seek medical attention right away. Even if you think your injuries are not severe or readily apparent, there are some injuries that are latent and will not immediately present themselves (e.g., concussion or other head wound, back injuries, neck injuries, etc.). Additionally, seeking medical care substantiates your damages claim and makes a clear record as to what your injuries are.
Contact the Police So They Can File a ReportÂ
Like creating a medical paper trail, having an evidentiary record is also an important first step. Police reports tend to preserve the facts of a case and the officer making a police report could become a trial witness. Additionally, the contents of the police report will often direct future evidence gathering efforts, such as witnesses at the scene.Â
Identify the Responsible Party
Before any lawsuit can be filed, you must know who to sue. In an auto accident, this is often simple because swapping insurance information will provide all of the needed contact information required to initiate a lawsuit. In other cases, this may be more complex. For example, if you have been bitten by a vicious dog, your first step should be to determine the dog’s owner. The same is true for ascertaining the identity of any insurance companies or corporate entities that may be involved.
Preserve Evidence and Gather Witness StatementsÂ
Next, you should attempt to preserve any evidence you have access to and speak with any witnesses to the event. In terms of evidence preservation, cell phone pictures are worth a thousand words in court, and should become a primary tool to capture the scene of the accident. As for witnesses, you should, at the very least, take down their contact information so that you can locate them later.
Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney
Finally, you should contact an experienced personal injury attorney for advice. It is risky to pursue litigation on your own, particularly against an insurance company or represented defendant. Rockford personal injury attorneys understand the legal system in ways that non-lawyers do not. Statistics tend to show that accident victims with representation are not only more likely to succeed in their legal claims, but also attain larger court settlements and verdicts.
Rockford Personal Injury Lawyer Ready to Help
If you or a loved one was injured in a car accident, truck crash, crosswalk accident, or any other type of preventable accident, contact Clark Frost Zucchi today at 815-962-6144 to schedule a free, confidential consultation with a compassionate personal injury lawyer who can help you pursue maximum compensation.
