Every driver is (or should be) aware of the responsibility they carry the moment they sit behind that stirring wheel. For one, they need to consider the safety of everyone seated in the vehicle including themselves. They also have a significant role to play in the safety of other road users. Despite all the precautions, however, accidents still happen. They’re sometimes inevitable since there are many risk factors involved. For instance, even with all drivers following road protocols, natural disasters can easily make things worse.
If, by any chance, you find yourself in an accident either as a victim or on the wrong side of the law, what should you do? Well, the first step is to ensure that everyone who’s injured, either physically or mentally, gets the necessary medical attention. Once this is sorted, it’s always advisable to find experienced car accident lawyers.
Before you meet your attorney, what are the preparations you should keep in mind? These include the following:
- Police Reports
One of the essential things to be considered during the court process or an insurance claim is the police reports. When the local police or highway patrol visits the accident scene, they always record every single detail they seem, as well as the views from all witnesses. This is usually the first thing that either of the parties involved in the court process will check out. Having said that, visit the local police station or whoever took the report, and let them give a copy before meeting with your attorney.
- Healthcare Records
As earlier mentioned, the first step after an accident is to seek medical attention. Your lawyer will definitely need those medical records to see if they can build a case based on them. Regardless of how small the injuries might be, these records are usually very important at the court of law. As such, make sure the doctor gives you a copy of the relevant records. Just like a police report, the forms you’re given here should include the time of occurrence, what ensued at the hospital, and all the treatment procedures taken by the doctor.
- Healthcare Bills
In addition to the medical records, it’s imperative that you also compile and bring with you the healthcare bills. These refer to the financial records showing all the expenses you incurred while receiving medical attention from whichever hospital you visited. They should also include other additional costs that might be relevant. For instance, if you had your limbs twisted, and had a physical therapy or visited a chiropractor, this should be accounted for in the bills.
However, make sure that everything you present is factual and can be proven with receipts from each of the service providers. Remember, any false information can easily land you into a legal trouble, and you’d want to avoid that as much as possible.
- Insurance Information
It’s imperative that you also remember to present your road insurance information. This includes the name of the insurance company and how long you’ve been with them. The information should also indicate clearly what your policy covers and the corresponding amounts. Are there bills that you’ve received from the company? Make sure to include them, if any.
- Work Documentation
Were you able to resume your normal duties immediately after the accident? If not, bring the necessary work documentations indicating the amount of time you wasted while you’re either seeking medication or helping the police with investigations. Also, make sure to include some of the records showing changes in your productivity after the accident. All these pieces of information will come in handy when determining your compensation.
Conclusion
Accidents are sometimes inevitable, given the wide range of risk factors involved. Therefore, these can happen even to those who are extra-keen with regards to the traffic rules. If you’re involved in an accident, it’s always important to contact your lawyer immediately after seeking medical attention. Approaching a car accident attorney while the case is still fresh will increase your chances of success.
As mentioned in the article, you’ll need to prepare a police report and relevant medical records when meeting your attorney for the first time. Other requirements that may come in handy include the healthcare bills and work documentations, which indicate how you coped after the accident. It’s also important to bring with you all your car insurance information and what the policy covers. Your lawyer will definitely tell you all other documents they’ll need from you before embarking on the case.
