How to Handle an Accident that Was Caused Due to Someone Else’s Negligence

Personal injury law can be incredibly complicated for people who are not well versed in the field. If you are ever involved in an accident that was someone else’s fault, you need to know what to do next. Here are a few things you need to remember if this happens to you. Often, when involved in an accident, your adrenaline is pumping so hard that you cannot think straight. This is why it can be helpful to have a small list to think back to if you ever do become involved in something that could be a personal injury lawsuit. You should always begin by speaking with a personal injury lawyer, like a lawyer from  Greenspan & Greenspan P.C., right away. He or she will do their best to protect you and your best interests. 

Check for Injuries

Ultimately, your health and the wellbeing of others is the most important thing. In any accident you need to check to see whether it is necessary to get emergency care for anyone. If someone involved is hurt, whether it is yourself, a friend, or a stranger, call 911 immediately to get an ambulance to the scene of the accident. Sometimes, injuries are critical and it is urgent to get them cared for as soon as possible to have the best chance at recovering. It does not hurt to call emergency care if you are unsure of how bad injuries may be. 

Take Photographs of the Accident Scene

Having the right pictures of the scene of the accident can make or break your case. You want to be able to show a judge that the accident happened at the fault of the other party. This means taking photos from several angles and of many different things on the scene. Your lawyer will be able to sort through them to determine what may be important to keep, and what to not show in court. 

Exchange Information

You should always gather witness contact information and try to get written statements of their accounts of what happened. People can forget things quickly, which is why it is great to have things documented quickly and early on in the process. It can also allow your lawyer to take a look at the story to put together the pieces of what may have happened. 

You need to also exchange information with any other parties who were involved in the accident. This could also include someone who may be considered an “at fault” party, even if he or she was not at the scene of the accident when it happened. A good example of this would be the owner of a property that was not maintained properly or an employer who did not have safe working conditions. 

Contact a Lawyer

Possibly the most important step to take is to hire a personal injury lawyer who will have your best interest at heart and be able to talk to other parties on your behalf without potentially jeopardizing your case. Reach out to a lawyer before speaking to insurance agents who will want to pay out as little as possible for your case.