Although many of us do our best to drive safely and reduce the potential for accidents, we cannot prevent them entirely. According to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, there were over 129,000 traffic collisions in the state and more than 31,000 injuries. Moreover, dealing with the aftermath of a car accident is often incredibly stressful and overwhelming. We compiled a list of steps for you to follow, which can help ease the frustration of handling the chaos. Print out this list and keep it in your glove box to ensure you are always prepared.
Crucial Steps You Must Take After an Accident
The steps you take in the immediate aftermath of an accident can help protect the success of your personal injury claim and your health. Otherwise, you will end up facing an even bigger headache, especially when corresponding with the at-fault party’s insurance company. The shock from enduring this incident can be so overpowering that you might forget what to do next, which is why it is imperative to keep this list in your vehicle.
Take the following steps after a motor vehicle accident:
- Stop and park your vehicle someplace safe and out of harm’s way. Next, check to see if anyone is injured or in need of emergency medical assistance and call 911 to report the accident. The police report will serve as crucial evidence for your personal injury claim. According to Wisconsin law, an accident must be reported if it resulted in injury or death, if property damage is worth $1,000 or more, or if $200 worth of government property sustained damage. Since it is impossible to know the value of the damages involved or if you are injured, err on the side of caution and contact the police.
- Try to gather as much evidence as possible at the scene. You will never get another chance to document the scene of the accident as accurately as you will at this moment. Take pictures of the damage each vehicle sustained, any visible injuries, and damage done to the area where the accident occurred. You should also collect as much contact information as possible from the other driver involved and any passengers or witnesses. Gather the other driver’s insurance information, driver’s license, phone number, home address, and license plate number.
- Reach out to your insurance company as soon as possible. Even if the accident was not your fault, you are contractually obligated to report the accident to your insurance provider. The other driver’s insurance company will contact you as well. During this conversation, do not apologize or provide extensive details of the accident. Provide basic details, such as where it occurred, what time it happened, and the types of vehicles involved.
- Go to the hospital or visit your doctor as soon as possible to determine if you have any injuries and proceed with any necessary treatment.
- Hire an experienced personal injury attorney to represent your case. Car accident cases seem straightforward, but looks can be deceiving. To ensure you maximize compensation for your injuries, hire an attorney who frequently handles cases like yours.
Discuss the Details of Your Car Accident Case with a Knowledgeable Attorney!
If you were recently involved in a motor vehicle accident, contact the team at Casey Law Offices, S.C. to ensure you obtain the compensation you need during this troubling time. Our attorney has more than two decades of trial-tested experience and a reputation for success.
Contact our law office today at (414) 272-5564 to schedule a free consultation.