Immediately following a car accident your mind is likely to be racing about what to do next. The first thing you should do is calm down and make sure everyone is okay. The next thing you should do is grab a paper and a pen and take some notes. Notes will help you tremendously in the weeks ahead. They will keep you up-to-date with your case and provide valuable evidence during the litigation process. Here’s a handy list of what types of information you should document in the moments after an accident.
Driver Information
It is important to exchange information with the other party before they drive off or even when the police come. Write down their address, full name, license plate number, phone number, make and model of their vehicle and anything else you deem important. You can also ask them what happened or what they saw leading up to the accident, as this information might help point out factors or witnesses you missed in the moment.
Damage to Vehicles and Property
Documenting any damage done to the vehicles involved in the accident, as well as damages to property is a must. If at all possible, use your cell phone to take photographs of damaged areas of the vehicles, skid marks on the road and any other factors that may have caused the accident. In addition to taking pictures, jot down some notes about what you saw or heard. This adds context to the picture and lets the viewer know what they are looking at.
Accident Injuries
You can do this immediately or when you are in the emergency room but it is important to record all of your injuries and symptoms following an accident, including the times that the symptoms began. If you feel lightheaded, dizzy, and nauseous; record it. If you have cuts, bruises, a broken leg; write that down. Medical records will be the crux of your case because you are seeking damages due to the pain and suffering you feel. Keep a diary of your injuries and how they now affect your daily life. Not only will this help your car accident case but it will also help your doctor, as well.
Discussions
All of the discussions that you have with a lawyer, insurance adjusters, police, etc should all be documented in your notebook. It is important to keep track of what you and others say and when you say it. Pertinent information will be exchanged in these discussions and it is important that you have a record of them. You will have a hard time remembering what people say especially after an injury so a quick summary of your discussions will help you tremendously. Take the names of each person you speak with, including the names of people that take your messages.
Monetary Loss
If you have to take time off from work or struggle to pay bills as a result of your accident, record all of this for safekeeping. If you have to pay out of pocket for medical services or medications, keep receipts and bills filed safely away. This information will serve as a ledger that records how much money the car accident has caused you to lose.
Hiring a Greensboro Car Accident Lawyer
A Greensboro car accident lawyer will help you organize your notes and determine what information can be used in court. Lewis & Keller work with clients in the Greensboro and Winston-Salem, N.C. area to resolve car accident and personal injury disputes. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.
