As always, safety is the first concern after any accident. When you remove yourself from a vehicle after an accident, be sure to get off the road and to a safe place as soon as possible. Ensure that your passengers, if any, are okay.
If your vehicle is stopped at the accident scene, do not move your vehicle unless you are directly asked by law enforcement to do so. The position of vehicles involved in an accident can provide vital evidence in a personal injury case. Call 911 to contact emergency personnel if necessary. If possible, take pictures of the accident scene in order to have additional evidence of how the accident occurred. Take pictures of the vehicles themselves, but also capture the accident scene from different angles — get photos of skid marks on the road, debris, and the scene as a whole.
If there are witnesses, ask for their names and contact information. Keep that information handy because a witness can play a big role in a personal injury case. Also exchange information with the other driver, but be sure to avoid any statements that infer you were at fault for the accident if, in fact, you were not.
Seek medical attention for injuries as soon as possible and be sure to record photographic evidence of those injuries, such as swelling or bruising. Also keep track of medical bills, doctor’s visits, surgeries, and anything else having to do with your injury that could be used as evidence at a later date.
Lastly, if you were injured in the accident, and it was caused by someone else’s negligence, contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.
Time Is of the Essence
Every state has a different statute of limitations that dictates how long after an accident an injured person can file a personal injury claim. Click here to find out what it is in the state of Alaska.
