10 Important Steps After A Car Accident

Millions of car accidents take place throughout the country each year. Unfortunately, many crashes result in costly property damage, severe personal injuries, and sometimes even wrongful death. The Dietrich Law Firm P.C.’s top rated car accident injury lawyers realize that getting into a collision can be a frightening ordeal. After being the victim of an accident, it is only natural to be confused, upset, and frightened. It is common to endure post-psychological shock symptoms, such as racing thoughts, heightened anxiety, panic, and increased heart rate. 

The actions you take immediately following a collision could meaningfully impact the outcome of your prospective case. Even a relatively minor mistake could lead to you receiving considerably less compensation. Fortunately, there are some actions that you can take to help strengthen your potential claim. Below, our highly experienced Buffalo car accident injury lawyers will educate you on the 10 most critical things to do after a crash:

1. Pullover Immediately: Find a safe, well-lit place nearby to pull over. Try to remain calm and turn on your emergency flashers to warn approaching vehicles. 
2. Seek Medical Care: Call 911 immediately and request an ambulance if necessary. Even if your injuries seem relatively minor, we highly suggest seeking medical treatment. A doctor’s checkup can help uncover latent injuries and document the harm you suffered. 
3. Call the Police: Contact the local police department before leaving the scene of the crash. Ask the responding officer to file an accident report. Police reports can help your attorney establish liability. 
4. Exchange Information: Get the other motorist’s name, address, telephone number, insurance information, and license plate number. 
5. Avoid Social Media: Even private communications online can be discoverable. Anything you post on social media can easily be misconstrued or distorted to show that you were not as badly hurt as you claim.
6. Take Pictures and Videos: Whenever possible, use your smartphone to take photos and videos of the vehicles involved, the scene, contributing factors, and any injuries suffered. Photos are especially beneficial when the fault is contested. 
7. Look for Witnesses: Any bystanders in the area might have seen or heard vital aspects of the accident. Write down the names and contact details of anyone who can confirm your version of events.     
8. Contact Your Insurance Company: New York requires victims to report their crash to their insurance company within a prescribed time frame. Your claim may be denied if you fail to notify your insurance company. 
9. Keep Records: Maintain all documents related to your collision, such as medical bills, car repair invoices, receipts for medication, and proof of lost wages. These documents can help prove your damages. 
10. Call Jed Dietrich, Esq.: After an accident, having a highly experienced personal injury lawyer on your side can help you obtain the compensation you deserve. 

At the Dietrich Law Firm P.C., we have a pristine track record of obtaining top-dollar settlements and judgments for accident victims just like you. Please call our leading team anytime at 716-839-3939 or complete our online consultation form.