Always make sure you know what to do after a car accident. After the initial shock begins to wane, you’ll want to start collecting important information as you wait for the authorities to arrive.
Of course, you’ll need to tend to any immediate medical needs first and relocate to a safe position off the road and away from traffic. Then you can begin jotting down information that might be useful in the future when dealing with the insurance companies and filing a claim against a negligent driver.
Gathering Car Accident Information
After an accident, you’ll likely be shaken up; it’ll be hard to remember exactly what you’re supposed to do and what info you’re supposed to collect. You can print out the following checklist and store it in your glove box should the unfortunate event of an accident occur.
At the scene of the accident, you’ll want to write down:
- The date, time, and location of the accident
- The name, address, phone numbers, and license number of any other drivers involved
- The other parties’ insurance carrier’s name and phone number, and policy number
- Names and contact info of any witnesses
- Any remarks made by witnesses, the other drivers, or the police that seem important or related to fault
- Photos and/or video of the scene, the vehicles, and any injuries
- The names and contact info of all the occupants in both vehicles
- A copy of the police report and any tickets that were issued
- The police department, and the officer’s name and badge number
Why Is It So Important to Collect All This Stuff?
If you’re involved in a car accident, you’ll need to notify your insurance company and then proceed to filing a claim against the other party’s insurance. An adjuster may ask for some of the above information, and having it on hand will help expedite your claim.
Should a dispute arise regarding who was at fault or the validity of injuries, you can use the information you’ve collected as evidence. When trying to determine the circumstances that led to the accident, things such as photos, videos, and witness statements may be very instrumental in proving the case.
Plus, if you later decide to hire a car accident attorney to help with your claim or lawsuit, the information you’ve collected will give your lawyer an excellent head start on investigating and proving your case.
What to Do with All the Evidence
So what do you do with all this information once it’s gathered? Don’t lose it! Put it all in a file folder for safekeeping.
Add any accident-related paperwork you receive from then on to the folder as well:
- Medical bills and receipts
- Prescription information
- Notes or diagnoses from your doctors
- Proof of lost income for missed time at work
- An injury journal detailing your symptoms, treatments, pain level, and progress
Hensley Legal Group Can Help After a Car Accident in Indiana
If there’s been a dispute with your claim, or if you feel the insurance company isn’t offering you a fair settlement, consult a local car accident attorney for assistance. If you are in Indiana, contact Hensley Legal Group. Call us today for a no-cost, no-obligation consultation at (317) 472-3333.