Founding Attorney
How can I build a personal injury after an auto accident?
Car accidents are a major cause of death and injury nationwide. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about three million people are injured in motor vehicle crashes each year. Crash related injuries, such as medical care and productivity losses, amount to $75 billion annually. Given how many people are injured in accidents each year and the extent of these losses, it is important to be prepared in the event of a crash. Our New York City car accident attorney details some steps you should take to build a personal injury case after your auto accident below.
Take Pictures of Crash
In the immediate aftermath of an accident, you will need to call 911 to receive the medical assistance you need. As you await assistance, if you are able, you will want to take some pictures. Start with photographing all of the vehicles involved, including their license plates. Take pictures of where the vehicles are located and any skid marks or objects involved in the crash. Photograph the damage to each vehicle. You should then document your injuries with photographic evidence. Your cell phone is fine for obtaining these images. Be sure to save them in a safe location and create a backup copy on another device.
Gather Important Information
You will want to gather some information on your own, in addition to obtaining a copy of the police report. Take down the names, phone numbers, and email addresses of the drivers and passengers involved, along with their insurance information. Get the contact information for any witnesses to the crash. You may also wish to have them offer a brief account of what they saw.
Obtain Medical Treatment
It is always best to have yourself checked out after a car accident, even if you think you are okay. Some injuries will not be readily apparent in the immediate aftermath of the crash, like neck and back injuries. Seeking prompt medical treatment will ensure you and physically okay and will strengthen your later personal injury case by refuting any possibility that an event other than the accident led to your injuries.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer
Call a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after the accident. Your lawyer will evaluate your potential case and assist you in gathering the evidence you need. With the help of an experienced car accident attorney, you can recover the financial compensation you deserve to allow you to move on after the crash.