What Information Should I Compile After I Get into an Accident?

Accidents are undeniably stressful, and sometimes tragic, events and they can be difficult to navigate. Often, an accident victim is unsure of what steps to take following an accident. So, you may be asking, what information should I compile after I get into an accident? Below, we have compiled a brief checklist to make sure you are prepared for the unfortunate and unexpected:

1. The first step that anyone should take after an accident is to call 911 and receive medical attention.
2. Once EMS and law enforcement officers arrive at the scene, if it’s possible, take pictures and videos of the scene of the accident as well as any injuries that you might have sustained. Pictures can be incredibly important tools—they can provide your insurance company and your attorney with evidence of the accident.
3. While a law enforcement officer may document what happened in a police report, it is possible that some details might be missed and not included in the police report. If possible, ask any bystanders or witnesses of the accident, and whether they are willing to provide you with a statement about the accident and their contact information.
4. If the accident happened near an intersection where there are nearby businesses, check whether the businesses have video surveillance of the street where the accident occurred. Your attorney may be able to subpoena the security footage later, as proof of how the accident happened and which party may be at fault. Many people say, “after I get in an accident, everything moves too quickly.” But making sure you have all the info is crucial to your case.
5. Finally, write your own statement about what happened in the accident, on or about the date of the accident. Be sure to include as many details as you can. Sometimes, accidents can leave someone in a state of shock or medical instability, making it difficult to provide a complete statement about what happened. A journal entry can help you connect the dots, ensuring a complete, accurate timeline of events.

What Documentation Will My Attorney Ask for After an Accident?

Hiring an attorney is a highly personal decision. Should you decide to pursue legal action following an accident, it is crucial to prepare supporting documentation to help your attorney win your case. Overall, if you are considering hiring an attorney to represent you in connection with an accident, compiling several types of documentation will help your attorney understand the facts of your case, including the amount of compensation you may be able to obtain for your injuries. These types of documentation that will be important for your case include the following:

• The police report;
• Photos or videos of the accident scene;
• A copy of your auto insurance policy;
• Records of medical care, such as emergency room or urgent care treatment;
• Any communication with your employer and/or paystubs that documents loss of work and/or wages following the accident.
• Correspondence that you have had with insurance companies, including your insurance company and the at-fault party’s insurance company.

Hopefully, you have a better answer to ‘what should I do after I get in an accident’. While it is best to have as much documentation as possible, some situations make it impossible to do so. If injuries prevent you from gathering documentation for an attorney, the attorney can also request medical records from hospitals and urgent care centers, as well as insurance information from your policy and the at-fault driver’s policy.