What To Do After a Minor Car Accident

Car accidents can be scary and you may not know what to do after having one. If anyone involved in the accident has been seriously injured, you should seek immediate medical attention. However, if there are no obvious injuries and the accident wasn’t your fault, it’s a good idea to document the accident so you can receive compensation for damage to your vehicle. Here are four things you should do after an accident to strengthen your case if you have to take it to court.

Take Pictures of the Accident Scene

Take as many pictures of the accident as possible. These can serve as evidence if you have to take the case to court and can help the police determine which driver is at-fault for the accident. In addition to documenting the placement and condition of all of the vehicles involved in the accident, take pictures of the following things to strengthen your case.

  • Weather conditions
  • Road hazards
  • Obstacles
  • Traffic patterns

File a Police Report

Some people are tempted to ignore minor accidents but you should always file a police report in case you notice damage later. After checking on everyone involved in the wreck, you should call the police to report it. You may have to wait a few minutes, but you have to have a police report to receive compensation if you need it. The police will determine which driver was at fault and gather witness statements before providing you with a written report documenting the incident.

Get Checked Out By a Doctor

Even if you think you were not hurt during the accident, it’s a good idea to visit your doctor as soon as possible. You never know if you have hidden or delayed injuries but your doctor can either give you a clean bill of health or document injuries so you can receive the compensation you deserve. If you hit your head during impact, you should also have the medical professional check you for a concussion even if you feel fine.

Hire a Lawyer

If you plan to pursue legal action, you should talk with a lawyer immediately after the accident. A professional from an Oakland law firm can help you determine if your case is worth pursuing. By hiring a lawyer, you also improve your chances of winning the case. Make sure the lawyer you approach is credible and reputable.

Thousands of car accidents occur each day and while some of them are severe, the majority of wrecks are minor and result in little to no injury. If you sustain a severe injury during the collision, you should seek immediate care, but if you are unscathed, follow these four steps to create a solid case should you need to pursue legal action.  Whether the at-fault driver was uninsured, your car sustains extensive damage or you have a minor injury that shows up after the initial incident, these steps can help you receive the compensation you deserve and give your lawyer a better chance of arguing your case.

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