What to Do When You Get in a Car Accident

To ensure that you are prepared if you are in an accident, it is always good to have a checklist with you in the glove compartment to make sure that you jot down the appropriate facts.

Depending on the severity of your car accident, you might find yourself shaken and not thinking clearly or paying attention to things around you while still on the scene. At a time when it might be difficult to concentrate, it is imperative that you shake it off and look around. If there comes a time that you have to recount what happened directly before, during, or after an accident, there are a few things you will want to take note of.

To ensure that you are prepared if you are in an accident, it is always good to have a checklist with you in the glove compartment to make sure that you jot down the appropriate facts. Having a pre-made checklist might just save the day when your brain is too disoriented to think of everything. To have all the information that you will need, make sure to make a note of the following things.


Weather Conditions

There are times when weather conditions can severely affect your ability to drive. If there is snow, sleet, or even rain, it can make driving conditions more hazardous. Understand what the weather conditions were can help determine whether or not the other drive was driving with appropriate caution. Knowing this can sometimes alter your fault and contributory negligence.

Eyewitnesses

If there are any eyewitnesses to the accident, you will want to try to get them involved. An eyewitness is the perfect third party if there is a dispute about who is at fault or what happened before an accident. If you have a police report filed, make sure to get the names of any witnesses in case they need to be contacted in the future to lend credence to your case. If they are willing to help, get their name, address and other contact information so you have it should their testimony come into question.

Take Photos and Videos

In this new age of technology, it is important to take photos and videos right after the accident. If the case does go to trial, your attorney will likely use any photos or videos to present your case in court. Even if it never reaches a courtroom, videos and photos are an excellent negotiation tool during the negotiation phase of your car accident case.

Record Your Injuries

If you are injured in any way, it is imperative that you seek medical attention as soon as possible. If for some reason you don’t go immediately, you will want to make a note of those little things, like a sore neck, at the time of the accident. The best way to ensure that your injuries are properly documented is to see a physician. Even if you think you are fine or your pain seems insignificant, it is best to seek medical treatment. Those minor aches can become major medical concerns later on.