Getting into an automobile accident can be a terrifying event no matter where it happens. Sometimes the victims are incapacitated, while others may be able to move around and help themselves and others. Some steps can and should be taken after an accident, if possible, that can help in a case. In Eugene, Or, car accident lawyers are there to assist victims who find themselves in these situations. If it is possible, the victims should do the following, and we will discuss the details throughout this article.
- Check to make sure everyone involved is alright.
- Contact 911.
- Take photos of the scene and all damages.
- Gather information from all parties involved and any witnesses.
- Take notes
- Give the best description possible in the police report.
- Allow the emergency staff to examine you.
- Contact your attorney and the insurance company.
Check On All Parties Involved in the Accident and Call 911
It is possible to be disoriented and nervous after an accident. If you are injured and cannot move, the best thing is to stay put to avoid more injuries. However, if you can function properly, it is best to see if you can assist anyone injured. People should be first to check on the list, but it should be handled with caution. If there are no fires, it is best to check up on the people and not move them. If there is a fire, and you can assist, try to save the person’s life if possible and get them to safety.
Contact 911 immediately to get some professional help on the way. Be sure to give them all the details like the location, status of yourself, and the other people involved. This information will help the first responders know what to do first upon arrival and get a heads-up on the scene. The more information you can give is most helpful because all 911 calls are recorded in real-time.
Take Photos
If you can move without further injuries, it is also critical to get pictures of the accident scene. Take photos of the vehicles, the locations, the scenery and property damages, and any signs on the roadway that can help determine directions, speed, if the brakes were applied, and other valuable information. Taking pictures of the vehicle will help determine the point of impact and helps with the estimates of the damages. Photos of the locations are used as a backup to the police report on the directions each vehicle was traveling, and any road conditions recorded at the time of the accident. The scenery and damages to public or private property will also assist in valuable information about what happened at the impact points, before, during, and after.
Gather All Information Available and Take Notes
While waiting for the first responders to arrive, this is the perfect time to exchange information as you check on the other parties involved. The information needed is insurance companies, registration information, names, addresses, passengers’ names, damages, and injuries. Be sure to take good notes of all of this information available. Both parties should be receptive to giving the information. It is required by all drivers to do so after an accident. If something is missing, like insurance policies, be sure to take notes and document everything. Gather any witnesses’ information as well, like names, addresses, and phone numbers.
Information on the Police Report
Each person involved and witnesses will have to fill out a police report. This is where each party tells their side of the story in writing and in their own words. Each individual who fills out a police report will obtain a copy of all statements and the finished police report after a specific date when the officer finishes the paperwork, and all are processed. The more detailed information, the better the outcome of the case will be.
Allow Paramedics and First Responders to Examine You
There are medical reports written about each person involved in an accident. This is critical with the medical side of an accident. It will also state whether the person accepted or declined medical treatment. The best thing to do is get checked out because most injuries show up later. A person’s adrenaline is pumping at a high rate after an accident, so they will not feel as much pain until the next morning or a day or two later.
There could also be fractures or internal bleeding you may not feel at the moment. Getting a complete medical checkup and report status will help your case dramatically. It will also help if long-term treatment is needed, like rehabilitation or future continual checkups.
Contact Your Insurance Company and Your Attorney
Whether you are at fault or not in an accident, you should always contact the insurance company you deal with. Most of the time, your insurance company and the other party’s insurance company will resolve the issue. Sometimes, this does not work out, and your next move is getting a free consultation from your attorney. Both should be a priority.
The attorney will have their own investigative team to determine if a case should or can be drawn up. They will also oversee the process to make sure you, as the client, will not lose benefits in the case. If the insurance companies handle everything, accordingly, never sign an agreement or check until the attorney reviews all measures. Once the recipient signs the check, it is over. No future claims can be made should more issues arise from the accident.
The Benefits of Having an Attorney
Having an attorney involved will save time and money overall. If minor injuries or damages occur in an accident, the client can decide to end the case by accepting the insurance company’s offer. If long-term injuries or loss of wages are involved, the attorney will fight to get every penny you deserve. You should not have to worry about medical treatment or bills. The lawyer will take care of you in legal matters.