What to do After an Accident

Being involved in a car accident can be a confusing, traumatic experience. Even if you were not injured, it is sometimes difficult to know what to do, and if you have been injured, knowing what to do can be even harder. The fact is, in cases where people have trouble recovering compensation after car accidents, frequently part of the problem is that the victim didn’t know what to do to ensure the best possible outcome.  In the event that you need to file a personal injury claim, a Wisconsin car accident lawyer will be able to help you best if you have know what to do at the time of the crash.  There are a few simple steps that you can take after any motor vehicle collision to help ensure that you will get the medical care, property repair, and financial compensation that you deserve.  There is, of course, one thing that is by far the most important.

First Things First

If you or anyone involved in the accident has been hurt, call 911. The emergency dispatcher will send an ambulance, and will probably send the police as well. Nothing is more important than your health.

If no one is obviously injured, you should still call the police. It is important to remember that not everyone is trustworthy. You hope that, when it comes time to file an insurance claim, the other driver won’t lie about what happened, but you don’t know that. The police will file a report which can be used as evidence either in an insurance claim, or in legal proceedings if that becomes necessary. In some cases, the police may not come out to the accident scene. If this happens, exchange information with the other driver. At a minimum, you should get:

  • Name
  • Address
  • Phone Number
  • License Plate Number
  • Insurance Company Name
  • Policy Number
  • Insurance Agent Contact Information

When you get this information, ask to see his or her driver’s license and insurance card so you know that the information is correct. It is also a good idea to take some pictures of the accident scene. Get snapshots of damage to your car, to the other car, skid marks, other damaged property, and pictures of any minor injuries. IF a dispute arises, these pictures may help you prove the facts of the case.

Finally, if either immediately after the accident, or in the days following the accident you realize that you were injured, don’t “tough it out,” ignoring the pain or discomfort. Even something as seemingly unimportant as a stiff neck or a headache can be a sign of a serious spinal injury or brain injury. Any pain or discomfort that appears after an accident, even if it is the next day or a few days later, should be checked out by a doctor. Don’t decide yourself that you’re okay, let a medical professional decide that. In fact, even if you feel completely fine, it may not be a bad idea to schedule a doctor’s appointment, and just be checked out. This is definitely a “better safe than sorry” situation.

If you have been in an accident, and a dispute has arisen as a result, contact an experienced Milwaukee car accident law firm to discuss your options. Whether the dispute is with the other driver, an insurance company, or some other interested party, a Wisconsin car accident lawyer can help you understand your situation. The dedicated attorneys at Jastroch & LaBarge have helped countless people all over Wisconsin to resolve claims over car accidents, and recover compensation for injuries. For more information and a FREE CONSULTATION, contact Jastroch & LaBarge at (877)558-5855 today.