It’s normal to feel concerned after a car accident and not know what your next steps should be. There are several types of information that are useful to gather and may support a claim for compensation against the other driver.
Collecting information
Once you have ensured that everyone in your vehicle is safe, you may want to pull over so you are not in the path of traffic. Then, you can document the names, addresses and contact information of anyone who was involved in the accident, the date, time and location where it occurred and whether certain factors contributed to the accident, like the weather or dangerous road conditions.
It’s also important to note information about the vehicles involved, such as the make and model, the license plate numbers, and the year. You and the other driver will need to exchange insurance information and request a copy of the police report, if applicable.
If you have a phone with you, it’s a good idea to take photos of the accident scene and the damage to present to the insurance company.
Injuries and compensation
Car accident injuries can range from mild to severe, including cuts and bruises, fractures and broken bones, whiplash and head injuries. No matter which type of injuries you or your passengers suffered in the accident, you will want to keep a copy of all medical records.
It may be necessary to seek compensation from the other driver for your damages. These include not only medical expenses, but also compensation for your pain and suffering, and for the wages you lost because you were unable to return to work.