If you are involved in a car accident, would you know what to do right after the collision? How you react could determine possible consequences, such as personal injury lawsuits or insurance claims.
If you feel you are not at fault, the best way to boost your assertion is to gather all the necessary facts and evidence at the time of your car crash. Here is information you should gather at the time of a motor vehicle accident.
Driver Information
Right after the accident, talk to the other driver, and exchange the following information:
- Name
- Address
- Telephone number
- Driver license number
License plate number- Insurance company
- Policy number
License plate numberIf the driver is not the owner of the vehicle, establish his or her relationship with the name of the insured, and take down the name and address for each individual.
Write down details of each vehicle such as year, make, model and color. Describe in detail the location of the accident and how it happened. Do not acknowledge fault, even if you think you are at fault.
Photographs of the Accident
Everyone carries a smartphone these days, so it is easy to gather photographic evidence. Take photos of the damage to your vehicle as well as the other cars involved. Your goal is to show the overall context of the accident when making your case to a claims adjuster.
Get a Police Report
If there are no injuries, the police will probably not respond to the scene of the accident. In this case, drivers should go to the nearest police station and file a vehicle accident report.
If a law enforcement officer arrives on the scene, they are expected to prepare an incident report on the spot or shortly afterward. This report includes information such as possible traffic violations, observations made by the responding officer, and statements from drivers, passengers, and witnesses. The police report is crucial in any personal injury lawsuit. It also helps insurance companies speed up the claims process.
To get a copy of the police report, you must have the following information:
- Name and badge number of the officer who came to the scene and prepared the report
- Law enforcement agency where the officer belongs
- Date and location of the accident
- Names of the drivers involved
Witnesses might be able to help back up your version of the accident – in case the other drivers dispute your claim – so ask for their contact information.
Insurance Coverage
Don’t wait until after an accident to find out what your insurance policy covers. Check for specifics such as personal injury protection, property damage, bodily injury, towing, or replacement car rental reimbursement.
Get Legal Counsel from a Competent Personal Injury Lawyer
Car accidents can be a traumatic experience – which could lead to panic if you do not know what to do. In the aftermath of a collision, try to maintain the presence of mind and gather all the information you need. If you require representation, Shapiro Law Group is here to help.
Our qualified attorneys have been representing injury victims for decades and have recovered millions of dollars in compensation. If you or a loved one has been in a traffic accident in Boston, call (339) 298-2300 for a free consultation.
