Getting into a car accident is a confusing and emotional experience, but this is just the time to maintain a rational mind. There are many things you need to do and failing to act can end up hurting any insurance claim you intend to submit. Among the responsibilities you have as an accident victim is to ensure you collect adequate documentation. The documents mentioned here will back up your version of events and will be used as evidence to support your claim.

Collecting Information at the Scene

The first thing you should do is make sure you get the names, contact information, and insurance information for all other drivers. You will need this information to file your claim and this information will also help your personal injury attorney in Huntingdon Valley pursue your case. Additionally, you should collect the names and contact information for passengers in the vehicles and other witnesses at the scene. These people may need to give statements or testimony to help you prove your claim, so it’s important to be able to contact them as the case progresses.

Get Pictures at the Scene

It will also be important to take pictures of the scene of the accident. In particular, you should obtain close-up photos of the damage to all vehicles involved in the accident. Try to take pictures of the license plate of each vehicle and of any damage caused to surrounding property. If your injuries prevent you from walking around the scene to take pictures, ask a bystander to take the pictures using your phone’s camera.

Get a Copy of the Police Report

When the police respond to the accident, be sure to make a statement about the incident for their report. Even if they tell you it’s not necessary, you should insist on providing a statement. Otherwise, the other driver’s statement may be the only version recorded in the official accident report. You should also ask the officer for a copy of the completed report, so you can verify the facts. You may need to refer to the report in filing your claim.

Collect Reports That Identify Your Damages

In order to file a claim, you will have to be able to show that you have suffered damages and that those damages represent a financial burden. Your personal injury attorney in Huntingdon Valley will use this documentation to help you obtain a fair settlement. In addition to collecting estimates for the repair of your vehicle, you will also have to provide proof of your injuries. This means obtaining copies of your medical records, which show the injuries and harm you have suffered, your doctors diagnoses, and the recommended treatments. This goes for psychological harm as well as for your physical injuries. You should also collect and save copies of the bills that reflect these treatments or therapies.

If you have been involved in an accident, hiring a personal injury attorney in Huntingdon Valley is an important part of the process. The professionals at Randy H. Kaplan Law Offices can help you with negotiations to ensure you obtain a fair settlement offer. If your case must go to court, Randy H. Kaplan Law Offices will be prepared to build a strong strategy for helping you obtain a favorable outcome. Call today for your free consultation!

 

Sources:

https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/checklist-of-records-to-gather-after-a-car-accident.html

https://www.thebalance.com/i-had-a-car-accident-now-what-2645472