What should I do following a motor vehicle accident?
Being involved in a car accident caused by another person can immediately put you on edge, causing you to think emotionally rather than logically. Unfortunately, acting based on emotion can end up costing you in the long run. There are several critical steps to take at the motor vehicle accident scene to protect your best interests.
First Steps
If you are injured in a motor vehicle accident in Ohio, staying at the crash scene until it is appropriate to leave is paramount. Stay until police and emergency personnel arrive. In addition, ensure that all parties involved in the car crash are okay and getting medical help before taking the time to assess any property damage caused by the accident.
Gather Information
Contacting the police is also necessary if you have been injured, as the police can file a report for you, which can prove helpful for any legal action you may decide to take. Before leaving the accident scene, it is also important to gather the names, phone numbers, insurance information, driver license numbers, addresses and license plate numbers from the motorists involved in the crash.
Talk To Witnesses and other steps
Talking to witnesses is also critical, as their testimony may prove beneficial to your case. You will also need to tell your auto insurance company about the accident as well as keep track of all of the medical treatment you receive following the motor vehicle crash, including the care you get from hospitals, physicians and physical therapists. It can also be beneficial to document how the injuries you have suffered have taken a toll on your daily life – for example, how many days of work you have had to miss and how your daily life was altered – as this may help demonstrate additional damages.
A knowledgeable attorney can guide you through the process of filing a personal injury claim against the person who caused your motor vehicle accident injuries. L A successfully fought claim may lead to a monetary award that can help you to recover your medical expenses, the loss of wages and other expenses related to the accident.