Sometimes, what to do after a car accident can be confusing and, quite possibly, overwhelming. However, to preserve your claim for damages or personal injury, it is important that all parties involved gather specific documents. These documents will assist in any subsequent settlement negotiations or litigation about the responsibility or amount of compensation to award for the accident.
Police Report
Too many persons involved in a car accident do not call the police. Even if the accident is slight and the other party seems genuinely sorry and promises to pay for your damages, you should contact the police to the scene of the accident. Creating a police report establishes the facts of the accident and does not equal an insurance claim. However, should you later decide to proceed with a claim or litigation, you will need the police report to establish responsibility and damages.
On a related note, do not overlook the need to obtain documentation about the police officer that arrives on the scene of the accident. Ask for a card with his name and contact information and, if possible, write down his badge number.
The Other Party’s Insurance and Contact Information
If you do not summon the police, or if the police report is not thorough enough in regards to collecting data on the involved parties, obtain the other party’s insurance and personal contact information. You do not need exact replicas of their insurance cards and driver’s licenses. Write down the information on these documents and make sure that it is up to date and accurate by checking with the other driver.
Information About Other Involved Vehicles
Write down the license plate number and, if possible, the vehicle identification number (VIN) number of all involved cars. Usually, this information will be included in the police report, but it is still possible for the police officer to make a mistake.
However, it is also wise to write down the make, model and color of the involved vehicles. This information will assist you in the future should you need to specify between multiple cars or reenact the accident during litigation.
Medical Records
If you received medical care at the scene of the accident, request a copy of the report made by the emergency medical technicians. This report will assist you in any later claim of personal injury that you have or may develop.
Getting Legal Help
If you have been involved in an accident, seek legal assistance with your claim. Following an accident it is imperative that you gather certain documentation to preserve and fully understand the accident. If you have failed to obtain this documentation, an attorney will assist you with gathering what is still available.
