If you have been the victim of an accident that was caused by someone’s negligence or carelessness, you may be eligible to file a personal injury case. Whether your injuries are significant or minor, it is important to get a comprehensive medical examination and collect relevant information about the injury.
File a Police Report
Traffic accidents on public roads often result in law enforcement officials being contacted, who will then come and make a police report. This will include details about the time, location, and cause of the accident, the people and vehicles involved, and any resulting damage to individuals or the vehicles. The report is usually filed within a couple of days, and copies may be obtained either online or through the local sheriff’s office. An accident report provides an objective and insightful summary of the accident findings, which will be helpful in filing a claim.
Contact Prospective Witnesses
If you are aware of people who observed the accident as pedestrians, area employees, or passengers in any of the cars involved, try to get their contact information for possible follow-up. They may be helpful when providing their account of the accident as seen from a different perspective. Even if their account differs from yours, it will be helpful to know about anyone with information about the incident.
Make a Timeline of Related Events
Write a timeline of the events leading up and taking place during the accident. Include any details that may offer insight about the driver, passengers, road conditions, weather, and related information. Continue to add to the timeline any activities or events that stem from the accident, such as medical care, counseling, employment changes, etc. Include the date, approximate or estimated time of day or night, and the names of anyone involved in events connected to the accident.
Find out Your Legal Rights and Responsibilities
Contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss the accident and the advisability of filing a legal claim. You may be eligible for compensation to cover medical expenses, car repairs, and lost wages due to injuries you experienced from the accident. The attorney can explain the legal statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit as well as your responsibilities, such as providing the required information in a timely manner and participating in court proceedings as necessary.
A personal injury case may be needed to help you recover the costs resulting from an accident that was caused by another person. Take steps to organize available information as you consider legal action.
Author information: Lizzie Weakley is a freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio. In her free time, she enjoys the outdoors and walks in the park with her husky, Snowball.
