What to Do If You Are In a Car Accident
Columbus, Ohio
With more than 6 million motor vehicle accidents in the United States each year and 300,000 or so in Ohio alone, chances are pretty good that you will be involved in a car crash someday. Car accidents happen quickly and unexpectedly. After being involved in a car accident, many people forget the important things that need to be done in order to preserve and maximize their legal rights.
Seek Medical Attention
Obviously, if you are in a car accident and think you may be injured, you should seek medical help right away. In many cases, first responders to an accident scene will arrange for the victims’ immediate medical care. Even if you think you are not hurt, you should keep in mind that some injuries are not detected right away. It is also important, especially for the potential success of subsequent personal injury claims, to seek active medical treatment of injuries suffered in a car accident. Some common injuries that occur in motor vehicle accidents include:
- Neck and back strains/sprains
- Broken bones
- Air-bag burns
- Traumatic brain injury
- Spinal cord injury
While some injuries may be fairly minor, others can cause serious health problems that can continue for the rest of your life.
Record Accident Details
In this modern age of communication, cell phones are everywhere. One of the best things you can do after a car accident is to photograph the accident scene with the camera feature on your cell phone. Over time, memories of the details of the accident may fade. If and when you file a personal injury lawsuit or claim against those responsible for the accident, you will find the photographs of the scene to be important evidence in your case.
Once you have sought medical attention for your injuries, it is a good idea to write down the things you remember about the events of the accident and how you felt at the accident scene. This, in conjunction with eyewitness statements and police reports, will help in establishing your legal claims.
Do Not Admit Fault
A very important tip to remember after a motor vehicle accident is to never admit fault to anyone. Even suggesting to friends that you may have been partially responsible for the accident can turn out to hurt your legal case. Insurance companies often spend a lot of money hiring some of the best investigators and attorneys, who may try to contact the people with whom you may have discussed the car accident.
When the responsible person's insurance company calls you, do not let them get you to admit or agree that the accident was at least partially your fault. In most cases, it is best to say nothing, referring inquiries about the accident or your injuries to your lawyer.
Obtain Legal Assistance
In order to level the playing field with a big insurance company, most people need the assistance of an experienced lawyer. To find out more about what to do after being involved in a car accident, contact Columbus, Ohio personal injury attorney Robert W. Kerpsack Co., L.P.A., to schedule a free, no-obligation initial consultation.
