Car Accident Checklist
What to Do in Case of a Collision
| No one expects to get into a car crash, but when that moment happens, many people feel helpless and unsure of what to do next. Car collisions are high stress situations that often cause an adrenaline rush in people involved. This means that you might not be thinking clearly at this moment. We’ve laid out the steps that you should follow immediately after a collision so that you have a Quick Reference Guide. If you ever find yourself in this unfortunate situation, please do the following: |
Step 1: Take a Detailed Record of the Collision
| This is arguably one of the most important steps when you get into a collision. You should make sure to document every angle of the collision and all vehicles involved. Make sure that you are able to document both interior and exterior damage to all the vehicles, including broken glass or air bags that were deployed. If there are any objects in the immediate surroundings of the crash, make sure to take pictures of those as well. This can include traffic signs, traffic lights, curbs, poles, etc. |
Step 2: Make Sure to Document Larger Surroundings and Smaller Details
| It’s important to document both the larger environment and the more detailed damage. Larger parts of the environment that you should make sure to capture include the weather at the time of the collision, the flow of traffic, emergency responders on scene, etc. If there are any objects in the immediate surroundings of the crash, make sure to take pictures of those as well. This can include traffic signs, traffic lights, curbs, poles, etc. Make sure to pay close attention to smaller details as well, like gas leakage, skid marks, popped tires, etc. These details can play a key role in proving which party was at fault for the accident. |
Step 3: Photograph All Information of Involved Parties
| When you are involved in an accident, you should always make sure to record the information of all parties involved. This information includes, name, driver’s license number, license plate number, address, and insurance information. These details can be captured by using your phone to take pictures of the other party’s driver’s license, insurance card, car registration, and their license plate. This information is essential in order to get in contact with insurance companies and make sure the other party is held accountable for the damage they caused. |
Step 4: Store All Records in a Safe Space
| After you have documented all aspects of the scene of the collision, make sure that you have this evidence stored in a safe place. Additionally, make sure that you store this evidence in a memorable space so that you don’t misplace anything. This documentation is used when you deal with insurance companies or if things escalate to a court case that involves attorneys. |
If You Have Been Involved in a Collision, Speak with an Experienced Attorney Today.
| If you are involved in a dispute over who is at fault for a collision, don’t hesitate to reach out to a skilled attorney from our office to assist you. Collisions can be messy, and the last thing you want to deal with is being unprepared for a dispute. If you follow the step-by-step guideline above when you get involved in a car collision, you should be well prepared to defend yourself when you speak with insurance companies to prove which party was at fault. The Live Oak Injury Law Group’s experienced legal team can assist you with your case now. Contact us now for a free case evaluation! |
