The experienced personal injury lawyers at Azrael, Franz, Schwab & Lipowitz, discuss the precautions you should take after an automobile crash to enable you to file a personal injury claim properly if needed.

Every year, thousands of drivers are involved in automobile crash* that result in damage to vehicles, and varying levels of personal injury. While there is usually no way to avoid a collision, there are steps you can take to ensure that you and your passengers will be appropriately compensated for damages. The attorneys at Azrael, Franz, Schwab & Lipowitz, have prepared the following information to help you in the unfortunate event of a crash.

Immediately after the crash…

Check on the wellbeing of all involved in the crash. If anyone is injured, call 911 as soon as possible. It is vital that all medical issues are attended to—even minor scrapes and bruises—in order to ensure the quickest and most successful recovery. Whether there are injured parties or not, it is important that you call the police and have an officer sent to the scene of the crash. A formal report made by a police officer can help to establish if a particular driver is at fault and will help with documentation of evidence.

If you are physically capable…

Collect any personal identification information of both drivers and witnesses. Personally record insurance information of the drivers involved, as well as registration information and tag numbers for the vehicles. Take photographs of the crash scene, if possible, including surrounding areas, car damage, injuries sustained, and road conditions. These can be important pieces of evidence when filing your claim, and if any legal proceedings ensue as a result of the incident.

In the days following…

If you sustained any injuries during the crash, initiate or follow up with medical treatment. Obtain documentation of any diagnoses, prescriptions, treatment plans, or test results, from your physician. It is important that you follow all recommendations and treatment plans given by your doctor to ensure the most successful recovery, and that you keep records of how symptoms are progressing over time. If you continue to suffer as a result of your injuries, seek a second opinion from another doctor.

In this stage, it is important that you meticulously compile records and documentation depicting your injuries, diagnoses, treatment you may have undergone, medical bills and the impact of recovery on your life. A detailed compilation of records can be the most important factor in filing a personal injury claim that fully represents the degree of hardship suffered as a result of the crash.

In the meantime consider consulting with an attorney to discuss the details of your case. An experienced personal injury attorney can guide represent you in making statements to your insurance company, and most importantly can help you navigate the legal issues that arise as you move further into the claims process. An attorney will ensure that the account of the accident as you remember it is portrayed accurately to investigating authorities, and will help you to compile the proper documentation to support your claims. An experienced personal injury attorney can offer you guidance on proceeding with a claim and dealing with insurance companies—including advising you when your signature has been requested on documents, or if access to your employment or medical information is requested.

When it becomes time to hire an attorney…

Compiling medical documentation and dealing with insurance companies, while also trying to physically and emotionally recover from a car accident can be hard. One of the experienced personal injury attorneys at Azrael, Franz, Schwab & Lipowitz, can offer guidance on how to navigate the stresses of both, so that you can focus on your wellbeing. We know the importance of filing a successful personal injury claim, and can guide you through the arduous process of claim settlement negotiations. For more information, or a review of your unique personal injury claim, contact Azrael, Franz, Schwab & Lipowitz.

*It should be noted that we refer to a vehicle collision as a “crash”, not an “accident”. This is in deference to the successful efforts of Mothers Against Drunk Driving, who we have supported since its inception in 1988. MADD accurately holds that one does not get drunk by “accident”; they make a clear and conscious choice to drink and drive—one of the leading causes of fatal crashes.