A serious car accident can turn your entire life upside down. You may be facing life-altering injuries, and if the accident was someone else’s fault, you deserve to be compensated for your medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other damages.
However, it’s very important that you take the proper steps after the accident happens in order to give yourself the best chance of getting any money you may be owed. Let’s explore the steps you should take after being involved in a car accident and how a Portland car accident lawyer at Lowry & Associates can help.
Get Assistance at the Scene
Call 911 right away. There may be people on the scene, including you, who need medical attention, and keeping everyone as healthy and safe as possible is the most important thing.
Secondly, calling for emergency assistance will bring the police. It’s important that a police report be filed, as this can serve as a vital piece of evidence for your claim later on.
Stay as Calm as Possible
After you’ve called for help, it’s equally important to try to stay as calm, cool, and collected as possible. When you’re emotional, it’s easy to make mistakes. Take a breath and carefully consider everything you do. Don’t get accusatory, don’t yell or be angry, and, no matter what you do, don’t apologize for anything. Following this rule can protect your claim.
Exchange Information With Others
After you’ve spoken with first responders, or even while waiting for them to arrive, exchange information with the other driver, including your contact and insurance information. Then, speak to other witnesses on-site, if any, and see if they may be willing to provide their contact information or at least statements when the police arrive.
Take Pictures and Notes
If you’re able, document as much information at the scene as you can. Use your phone to snap pictures of the accident and your surroundings from various angles and of any injuries and damage. Draw a diagram of what happened and make detailed notes of the incident exactly as you remember it. All of this information can help to build your case later.
Report the Accident to Your Insurer
Your insurance company probably has regulations about reporting accidents within a reasonable time frame. As soon as you can, it’s a good idea to call them to report what happened, even if the accident wasn’t your fault. Just remember not to elaborate, expand, or tell your side of the story. Just stick to the facts.
After the accident, you may also start to receive calls from the other driver’s insurance company. It’s important to remember that you aren’t obligated to speak with them and it’s in your best interest to direct them to your attorney.
Contact a Portland Car Accident Lawyer
Finally, it’s vital that you contact a qualified and experienced Portland car accident lawyer as soon as you can. If you’ve been hurt due to another driver’s carelessness, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses, such as your medical bills, lost wages, and more.
However, getting the money you deserve can be a complex process. Our attorneys at Lowry & Associates know how to remind the insurance companies that you’re the victim and that you deserve to be compensated.
We’ll fight for your rights, so you can focus on healing. Call us today at 207-775-3819 or fill out our online form for a free consultation.
