What to Do After a Car Accident
A serious car accident is a jarring experience that can completely upend your life. Dealing with the aftermath can feel overwhelming as you try to wade through communicating with insurance companies, finding proper medical care, getting your car fixed, and considering personal injury claims, all while dealing with your physical recovery. Below we discuss some of the first steps you should take after being injured in a car crash. Reach out to an Indianapolis car crash lawyer with any questions if you’ve been hurt by a negligent driver in Indiana.
Stop at the scene, exchange information, report the accident
Under Indiana law, fleeing the scene of an accident is a crime. Drivers must stop, exchange information with the other driver(s) involved and, where appropriate, call the police. If someone was injured, the driver must remain at the scene and provide reasonable assistance until emergency services arrive. Call 911 if you or anyone else was seriously hurt.
Make sure that you exchange at least the following information with the other driver: name, address, phone number, driver license number, vehicle identification number, license plate, as well as their insurance company name, phone number, and policy number. Wait for the police to arrive so that you can explain what happened and get a copy of their report.
See a doctor
If you were seriously injured in a car crash, get emergency medical attention. Even if you do not require emergency treatment, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible after a crash. Many injuries common to car crashes can quickly become worse if left untreated, and they may not be immediately apparent. Latent injuries such as concussions, internal bleeding, or organ damage may not be obvious. Also, if you see a doctor immediately after a crash, it prevents insurance companies and defendants from arguing that your injuries were caused by something other than the crash.
Collect evidence: Photos, reports, records
Ensuring that you get the compensation you deserve from insurance companies, employers, and negligent parties means building your case starting the moment the accident happens. Take photographs of the vehicles involved, the surrounding area, and your injuries. Look for traffic cameras, security cameras, or anything else that might have recorded the incident. Talk to witnesses and get their contact information. Keep copies of any documents generated in connection with your accident, including the police report, medical records, medical bills, communications with insurance companies, and anything else related to the crash.
Get a lawyer
A dedicated car accident attorney can help you get the medical attention you need, gather evidence, communicate with insurance companies, and build your case for insurance coverage, workers’ compensation, and personal injury damages. People who hire lawyers get bigger settlements from negligent drivers and insurance companies, and they are much more well-equipped to handle any in-court matters. Let your attorney shoulder your legal burdens for you so that you can focus on your recovery.
Help After Your Indianapolis Car Accident
If you or someone you love has been hurt in a car wreck in Indiana, contact the serious and trial-ready Indianapolis personal injury lawyers at Lee Cossell & Feagley, LLP for a free consultation on your case at 316-631-5151.