Things You Can Do to Help Your Attorney After an Accident
Car accident scenes can be chaotic and confusing, and victims may not know what to do immediately afterward. However, the actions you take during the first few minutes can be crucial, not only for you and for the investigation of the accident, but for your lawyer if you decide to initiate legal proceedings against the person responsible.
In an accident where you were injured due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for damages. For this reason, it is important to hire an experienced lawyer who can guide you and protect your interests every step of the way.
Some of the things that are important to do at the scene of an accident include the following:
- Don’t run away from the scene of the accident, whether you were to blame for the accident or not. Running away can be considered a felony or a misdemeanor, depending on the circumstances. And if you are not responsible, by doing so, you are in some way admitting guilt.
- Call the police. No matter how minor the accident, the presence of the police is essential to make an official report of what happened. This will not only be requested by insurers but will also be part of the documentation that your lawyer will need.
- Do not admit guilt. We can say words like “I’m sorry” almost automatically during a confusing and tense situation. However, even such a simple phrase can be used against us as an admission of responsibility. The same can happen if the other driver insists that the fault was yours, even if it was not. In any case, it is recommended that you do not give any statement and do not make any comment without first having discussed it with your lawyer.
- Gather all the Evidence. Being able to take photos of the accident can go a long way in determining what happened. If possible, take photos of how the cars ended up on the road and the damage they suffered, of the traffic signs around you that could establish the rules that drivers had to follow at the time of the accident. Also, get the contact information of any witnesses who may have seen the accident. All this information will be invaluable for the legal process that your lawyer will initiate on your behalf.
