5 Steps to Make Your Car Crash Easier to Handle

It can be confusing to know what steps to take after an injury accident, particularly when there has been a serious injury. These 5 steps can help protect your right to the compensation you deserve.

Call law enforcement immediately, and take down the name of the officers who arrive, make sure that they make a report, and request a copy of that report.

A police report can be important evidence that supports a personal injury claim or lawsuit. These reports also include information about all of those involved in the accident, as well any of the witnesses at the scene.

If injured, get immediate medical care from a physician qualified to treat the type of injuries that you have. Carefully follow every direction given by your medical care provider.

Whether you go to the emergency room or a free clinic, ensuring you are fully evaluated after an accident is extremely important. There are some injuries that are not immediately evident and can be life threatening, such as closed-head injuries. Ensure you get to a doctor as quickly as possible for evaluation.

Keep all of your documentation in one safe place.

You must preserve the police report, your medical records, wage loss documents, and any estimates to repair your vehicle in a place where they can easily be found and are safe from damage or loss, as these documents are part of the supporting evidence for your claim.

Take photos of your vehicle, the accident scene, and your injuries if possible.

The images of your damaged vehicle and/or your injuries can be a significant factor in a jury award, as it is often so shocking when actually viewed that these photos could increase the amount of your award. Photos of the scene, such as skid marks, can be helpful if the other party claims the accident was your fault. A family member can do this for an injured loved one.

Never sign anything from an insurance company.

You have already been injured; don’t become a victim again by speaking with an insurance company representative or adjuster for the defendants. There is often an attempt to get you to sign a paper waiving your right to seek fair compensation in the future. Always get legal representation before signing anything or engaging in a conversation with an insurance company.

Contact the Todd J. Leonard Law Firm at (973) 920-7900 for experienced representation to protect your rights so that you can obtain fair compensation.