Imagine driving through Portland on your way to work. Only two blocks from your office, another driver makes an illegal left turn and slams into your car. You probably already know about some of the basic steps you should take after an accident. For instance, you should remain at the scene, call the police and, of course, get appropriate medical attention. Another important step is to gather information after a car accident. Gathering the correct information can play a critical role, as it could have an impact when it comes to personal injury claims.
Information About the Other Driver
After a car accident, always be sure to get the name, address, and phone number of the other driver. To ensure that at least the phone number is correct, you may want to enter it directly into your phone and call the other driver immediately.
Insurance
You will also need the other driver’s insurance information. It is generally best to get the name of the insurance company and the policy number directly from the other driver’s insurance card.
Vehicle Details
Make notes about the other car involved in the wreck. This can include things like the make, model, color, registration information and license plate number. You also may want to take pictures of the wreck and the involved vehicles.
Information About the Wreck
Write down the date, time, and location of the accident. Also, include the directions both you and the other driver were each traveling in, the weather and road conditions, and a general description of the collision. You also may want to collect the names and contact information of any witnesses as well as the name and badge number of the responding officer.
If you have suffered an injury due to a wreck with a negligent driver, gathering relevant information after a car accident can be an important part of supporting a claim. If the other driver’s insurance company denies your claim, you might be able to take legal action to fight for the compensation you deserve. Skilled personal injury attorneys can be a good source of information on how to navigate the process of pursuing such actions.
