Joel Kofsky
Car Accidents happen everyday. But knowing what steps to take after one happens might save your life, your career or maybe even financial ruin. Remember insurance companies are there for their own interests and initial settlement offers are a means of getting away without paying what may be due in the long term.
It might not be the easiest thing to achieve following an accident, you may be injured, you may be in pain or you may simply be angry that your appointment was missed or damage done to your vehicle.
In anger, details can be missed, things can be said and cases can be affected by the interaction of parties in those first few minutes following an accident.
Following a car accident where you or other parties may be injured, it is important that medical professional are on scene to document any serious injuries. If it was a minor car accident it is still important that you are seen by medical staff to ensure your health and that no underlying conditions may be present. Back injuries for example may not be apparent until days after a rear end collision.
It may not be necessary to involve the police after a simple fender-bender, but in the case of an accident where there may be injured persons, it is imperative to call the police to the accident scene and document it thoroughly as these initial reports will most likely be used to make a claim against the driver who caused the accident.
It's all to easy to say something when the adrenaline is pumping. For example: _"Oh I should have seen you coming", _ is something someone might say inadvertently after being hit by a driver who ran a red light.
Say nothing, and deal with the accident scene itself and leave the blame game to a Reputable car accident lawyer
Everyone has a cell phone these days with cameras that rival the best compact cameras of a few years ago. If your phone was damaged during the crash or you are impaired ask bystanders and / or law enforcement to do it for you.
Document the entire accident scene, any injuries and do a walk around video to ensure nothing is missed.
If you have a dash cam installed, ensure you remove the memory card and copy the contents for safe keeping.
Witness statements play a key part in the legal battle that may be ahead and will be used by your law firm to pursue your claim to get the best possible compensation for you.
It is imperative when possible to keep a clear head and try and gather as many statements as possible and the contact details of any witnesses that may help your case.
Joel J. Kofsky has been successfully representing personal injury cases in Philadelphia since 1991. He has assisted victims of car accidents, bike accidents, and slip and fall accidents, among many...
