Automotive

What Notes Are A Must Following A Car Accident?

car accidentCar accidents are very upsetting. Even in the case of a minor fender-bender, those involved in car collisions are typically shaken. At a time when it is hard to keep your wits about you, you have to be alert and take stock of everything around you. Stress and time can both work against someone who is involved in a car accident. That is why, if you are in an auto accident, it is imperative that you write everything down so that time doesn’t alter your memory or the facts regarding what happened.

The key to winning your case, if a lawsuit should arise, is to hire a car accident lawyer. But even if you hire one, they will need to know the specifics of the case and have proof in order to defend and protect your interests. To keep the record straight, make sure that you make note of these things:

Write it all down as soon as you can

The last thing you may think to do when you are in a car accident is to pick up a notepad and start telling your story, but that is exactly what you should do. The more you can write down, the better. The best method to use is to describe the accident in a play-by-play manner. like you are telling the story about what you watched. Make sure not to gloss over or skip anything you think is insignificant. Typically, the things that you leave out because you don’t think they’re important are the hardest to remember and end up becoming important.

If there are any witnesses to the auto accident, make sure to get their account as well. Write down what they tell you word for word. You will also need to record things like the time of day, the traffic conditions, the weather conditions and other things that might affect driving and the location where the accident happened.

It is important to be truthful, even if it isn’t going to benefit you. But stick to the basics. If you aren’t sure about something, don’t guess or give your opinion, even in writing. What you write down can come back to haunt you. Also, whatever you are writing, make sure it is what you are telling to officials or other people who are talking to you about the accident. Stick to the facts only. Any other things you can add, like photos or video, will help to aid your recount of events should the case ever go to court.

Write down any injuries

If you sustain injuries in the accident, it is imperative to write them down too. If you have anxiety about what happened, or you have a swollen elbow, those are all things that you will want to write down to create causality. No matter how small you think the injury is, it can turn out to be something much more substantial. Making a note of it right away is imperative to prove that the accident was the cause of your injuries.

After the fact, you will also want to record doctor’s appointments, treatment procedures and therapies. If you have to seek emotional counseling that is definitely something you will want to write down. Even if you think that it isn’t related, write it down anyway just in case. It is always better to err on the side of too much information than not enough.

Write down any economic or financial loss

Often you will end up losing financially in ways that you might not connect to the auto accident. If you miss work for an appointment or because you aren’t feeling well, those can be considered losses in an auto accident. Make sure to write them all down. Also, if you can’t make it to work because your car was totaled, you should write that down too.

Keep track of conversations

During the days following an auto accident, you will probably have a significant number of conversations with people about things relating to the events. Make sure to write down everyone you talk to and what was said for your own records.

If you are involved in an accident, it is imperative that you write everything down to avoid any confusion if the case should be escalated to trial or even for negotiation during the litigation process. Your own words will be your best evidence.

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