Although nobody anticipates being involved in an Indiana motor vehicle accident, these crashes do happen. However, knowing what actions to take in advance can help accident victims protect their rights and potentially strengthen any legal case they may need to pursue. In the guide below, we will review some of the steps you should consider taking following an Indiana motor vehicle accident.
Check for Injuries
Following a motor vehicle collision, you will want to first check yourself and your passengers for injuries. If possible, move to the side of the road or sidewalk away from moving vehicles. If your vehicle poses a danger to others due to its location and it is safe to do so, pull it to the side of the road. If not, leave it in place until the authorities come.
Contact 911
In the event of a collision, contact 911 immediately. If you are unable to make the call due to your injuries, ask someone nearby to make the call for you. Contacting 911 is the quickest way to inform the police and medical personnel about the incident and your injuries, and it is also the fastest way to officially document the accident. When the police reach the scene, they will investigate the crash and record their findings in a police report. If you decide to pursue legal action after the accident, this report can provide you and your attorney with important details about the incident.
Gather Evidence
If you do not need emergency medical services after the collision and the scene seems safe, use your cell phone to take photos and videos and gather as much evidence from the crash as possible, including documentation of:
- Any visible injuries
- The cars involved in the collision
- The vehicle placement on the road
- Any car damages
- Weather conditions
- Skid marks
- Road defects
- Any other evidence that can help indicate what happened
However, if your injuries prevent you from gathering this evidence, do not worry. After hiring an experienced car accident lawyer, these attorneys can start their investigation into the collision and gather this evidence on your behalf.
Get To a Doctor
Even if you are not taken to the emergency room after a motor vehicle collision, you should still see a doctor as soon as possible. This is because symptoms of severe injuries like brain trauma or internal bleeding may not be immediately apparent. The longer you wait to get these injuries checked out, the more severe they can become.
In addition, prompt medical treatment can also support your legal case. After a car accident, the insurance company may try to pay you less or deny your claim. If you do not see a doctor after the accident, the insurance company might argue that your injuries are not severe or are from a later incident. When you visit a healthcare professional after a car accident, these professionals can document your injuries and the accident in their medical report, providing evidence linking the harm you suffered to the car crash.
Contact an Experienced Indiana Motor Vehicle Accident Attorney Today
The last thing you want to worry about after a motor vehicle crash is preparing legal arguments and obtaining relevant evidence to establish your case. However, if you want to secure the monetary relief you deserve, you will need to prove not only what happened but the extent of your damages. That is why many car accident victims in Indiana turn to experienced attorneys for help in seeking the justice they deserve.
Once these legal professionals are retained, they can
- Determine if you have a viable case and provide you with the legal support you require during this difficult time.
- Determine the legal options you can pursue.
- Investigate what happened and who was responsible for the accident.
- Bring in experts to validate your claim.
- Help you hold all the wrongful parties accountable for the accident and the suffering you endured.
- Fight for every last dollar you need.
If you have been injured in a car accident in Indiana and want to know more about your legal options, contact Kaushal Law today.
