About 13 car accidents occur in the US every minute, with an estimated 4.8 million people sustaining injuries each year. If you’re ever in a car accident, there are certain steps you need to follow. Otherwise, you could struggle to fight for compensation.
Here are the five steps you need to complete after a car accident in North Stonington, CT. With these tips, you can gather the evidence you need for your claim.
Read on to learn more.
1. Move to Safety
Immediately after a crash, take a deep breath. Try to recall these steps to follow after a car accident. Otherwise, you might make a hasty mistake.
For example, you shouldn’t speak out of anger or assign blame. Avoid apologizing, too. In some cases, apologies are seen as an admission of guilt.
Instead, move to a safe area near the scene of the crash. First, make sure your vehicle is safe to move. If the tires are severely damaged or liquid is leaking from the vehicle, don’t start the car.
Instead, wait for the police to arrive for instructions.
Make sure the other vehicle moves to the same area. If they start to leave the crash site, try to get their license plate number and a description of the vehicle.
2. Call the Police
Make sure to call the police immediately after a car accident in North Stonington. In some situations, you’re legally obligated to call the police. An official police report can strengthen your personal injury claim.
In some cases, the official police report can also indicate who was at fault for the crash.
When the police arrive, stick to the facts when providing your statement. Don’t embellish or assign blame.
Make sure to get the officer’s name and badge number before they leave. If they haven’t completed the police report, your lawyer can get it instead.
3. Gather Info
Before leaving the scene of the accident, gather information about the other driver, including their:
- Name
- Address
- Phone number
- License number
- License plate number
- Insurance information
Get photo and video footage of the vehicles involved in the crash, too.
4. File a Claim
Call your auto insurance company right away to file your claim. Your insurance adjuster will walk you through the process. Some companies require you to use an app to file your claim.
5. Call a Lawyer
Call a local personal injury attorney right away. There are over 175,000 personal injury lawyers in the US. Look for a lawyer in North Stonington that specializes in auto accident cases.
They can file your personal injury claim to help you fight for compensation.
Prepare for a Car Accident in North Stonington, CT
Don’t skip through steps after a car accident in North Stonington, CT. Instead, complete these steps before filing a personal injury claim. With these tips, you can gather the evidence you need to fight for compensation.
Want to talk to an auto accident lawyer about your claim? We’re here to help.
Contact us today to get started.