Collecting Information After an Auto Accident
When a car accident occurs, caused by the negligence of another, you are entitled to just compensation. The accident may have impacted your well-being and ability to work or in some cases the death of a loved one. Compensation for your physical injuries or property damage comes from the “at fault” driver’s insurance company. If you are capable of functioning after an accident, there are several key things for you to do. Even in the midst of chaos, document the accident, with anyone needing medical attention the first priority.
Talk to witnesses and get contact numbers for them. Call the police if you are injured or your car is damaged-don’t skip this step trying to be a nice guy. A police report goes a long way towards documenting your claim in a court of law. Take pictures; if you don’t have a phone or camera, ask witnesses if they would take pictures for you-sometimes a picture is worth a thousand words!
How to Collect Information if You Are Incapacitated
Your most effective weapons in a car accident claim are reliable witnesses. That would be people who witnessed the accident from start to finish, had no obstruction to their view, no other distractions taking place, and most importantly, do not personally know you or the other driver, thus having no bias in the case. If you are incapacitated as the result of the auto accident, you are unable to get this information.
If you had a passenger in the car or you are the passenger, the other person can get some of this information but as far as their personal testimony, it won’t carry as much weight as an unbiased witness. Your attorney, as soon as you are able to contact one, will be able to contact witnesses obtained from the police report, plus search for surveillance cameras in the area that may have captured the auto accident.
What Information you can Provide Without Putting Your Claim in Jeopardy
Even if you think the accident wasn’t that serious, repercussions may follow. Always call law enforcement and get an accident report, let the paramedics examine you, just in case, and contact your attorney. At the scene you will give your name, driver’s license information and car registration.
Don’t discuss the accident with the other driver, don’t make any comments to the police or anyone else that could be construed as guilt on your part. Do not make any statements other than basic information about the auto accident to law enforcement officers.
In Closing
After your auto accident, make a follow-up appointment with your medical professional as some injuries show up later on. Kentucky has a Personal Protection Injury law that requires insurance companies to cover up to $10,00.00 per person in auto accident medical costs.
Do not make any statements to the other driver’s insurance company before contacting a Kentucky auto accident attorney. Have estimates for repairs to your car and any additional restitution required in writing. Have all your contact information for witnesses and produce any images that are significant to your case.
Do not make statements about the case that could be misconstrued, either in personal conversation or on social media sites. The opposing council will be checking all avenues to find ways to undermine your case.