.2301040752550.jpg)
The holidays are a time for celebrating with family and friends. For many, that means hitting the road to visit loved ones. Unfortunately, the holiday season is also a time when car accidents increase, including New Year’s Eve and Day. If you or someone you love is involved in an accident, you should know what steps to take. In this blog, SANTO MEHAS A Professional Law Corporation will detail important things to do after a car accident, especially in the event of an injury.
Documentation
One of the most important things to do after a car accident is to document as much as possible. Be sure to get the other driver’s name, contact information, and insurance information. If there are any witnesses, be sure to get their names and contact information as well. It is also important to take photos of the accident scene, including any damage to your vehicle or the other vehicles involved. And finally, be sure to get a copy of the police report.
If you end up needing to pursue compensation for injuries, this documentation will be crucial for your case.
Contact Law Enforcement
Another important thing to do after a car accident is to contact law enforcement. Even if the accident seems minor, having an official record of the accident is crucial. The police report can be helpful in documenting the details of the accident and can be used by your insurance company in processing your claim. Furthermore, a police report will help solidify what exactly took place to cause this accident. Without this official report, it is possible for one side to dispute any claims, jeopardizing your potential outcomes.
Seek Medical Attention
If you or anyone else involved in the accident is injured, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Even if you don’t think you’re injured, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and get checked out by a medical professional. Many injuries, such as whiplash, may not present themselves until hours or even days after the accident occurred. It is also possible that more serious latent injuries could pop up over time. As mentioned previously, make sure to keep any documentation you receive from medical professionals.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Once you have taken care of yourself and any others who were involved in the accident, it is time to contact your insurance company. Your insurance company will need all of the documentation that you have gathered in order to process your claim. They will also likely need a copy of the police report as well as any medical reports if you were injured in the accident.
Hire an Attorney
Depending on the severity of the accident and whether or not there were any injuries involved, you may want to consider hiring an attorney. An attorney can help you navigate the legal process and can fight for your rights if you were injured due to someone else’s negligence. Furthermore, you are more likely to receive maximum amounts of compensation with an attorney on your side.
Need Help in Ventura? SANTO MEHAS A Professional Law Corporation is Here
Car accidents are unfortunately common during the holiday season. If you or someone you love is involved in an accident, having knowledge of the steps to take in order to ensure that everyone receives proper medical attention and that all documentation is collected for insurance or medical compensation purposes is important. The team at SANTO MEHAS A Professional Law Corporation is prepared to fight for your rights if you or a loved one is injured from another’s negligence. You can contact us at (805) 222-7818 for a consultation.