Actions to Take After a Motor Vehicle Collison

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an estimated 2.36 million people were injured in motor vehicle traffic crashes in 2012, compared to 2.22 million in 2011. This is an increase of 6.5 percent from 2011 to 2012. While there have been several statistically significant decreases in the estimated number of people injured annually, this is the first meaningful increase since 1995. If you are ever involved in an accident here are some tips to help protect your rights and your likelihood of recovery should you have a claim from the crash:

• Stay at the Scene
• Check on All Drivers and Passengers
• Call the Police
• Exchange Information
• Talk to Witnesses
• Inform Your Insurance Company
• Keep Track of Your Medical Treatment
• Take Pictures
• Be Wary of Early Settlement Offers
• Use Caution in Discussing the Incident, Particularly on Social Media Websites
• Seek Medical Treatment

Although all of these are important to do following an accident, some of these tips are more crucial than others. For example, seeking medical treatment, keeping track of your treatment, taking pictures, and discussing the incident are much more vital if you want to receive full compensation for your injuries. Write down any doctors, physical therapists, chiropractors, or other medical professionals from whom you receive treatment. Keep a record of how your injuries have impacted your daily life. Include any missed workdays, list any routine activities you can no longer undertake, and describe how the injuries have affected your family life

Take photographs of any damage to your vehicle as soon as possible after the accident. Pictures of your car before the accident can offer a great visual to show the true extent of the damage sustained in the accident.

Do not talk to anyone about the accident other than your lawyer, your insurance company, and the police. This is particularly important with regard to social media; do not post pictures or status updates about the accident or your injuries. If you are called by the other insurance company, be polite, but ask them to call your attorney or insurer and talk to them. Also, tell your lawyer or insurer about the call.

At McCutchen Napurano - The Law Firm, we devote ourselves to helping you maximize your recovery if you are injured in a car accident. Call us today at (479) 783-0036 or contact me by email at jmccutchen@mccutchenlawfirm.com.