What to Do After a Car Accident That Is Not Your Fault in Ohio
Being involved in a car accident can be a stressful experience, especially if it is not your fault. Knowing the steps to take immediately after the accident can help protect your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you are entitled to. An experienced car wreck lawyer knows how to protect your rights through every step of the case.
At Kitrick, Lewis & Harris, our Ohio car accident and personal injury attorneys are here to provide you the tips you need to succeed. Schedule a consultation to learn more about how we can help after an Ohio car accident.
Ensure Safety First
Your first priority should always be safety. If possible, move your car away from the rest of traffic to prevent further collisions. Utilize your hazard lights to make your car more noticeable, especially if it is dark.
See If Anyone Is Injured
First assess how badly you are hurt. Call 911 if you have any injuries as a result of the accident. If you are unhurt, safely check that those around you are safe as well.
Notify Law Enforcement
Ohio law requires you to report any car accident that results in injury, death, or significant property damage. Law enforcement will arrive to document what happened and create an official report.
Collect Information from Relevant Parties
Get contact information from other drivers involved in the accident or witnesses who saw it happen. This might include information such as:
- The witnesses name and telephone number
- The party’s driver’s license number and license plate number
- Insurance information and policy number
- The color, make, and model of the vehicles damaged in the accident
Take Photographs
Use your phone or other device to take pictures of the scene. Take pictures of any vehicle damage, injuries, and anything else that could be important.
Make an Insurance Report
Promptly report your accident to your insurance company. If you received insurance information from the other driver, you can also file a report with them with the assistance of your attorney. Some claims may be resolved between insurance companies without the need for litigation, especially if the insurance company knows you are represented by legal counsel.
Get Medical Help
Even if it seems you did not suffer major injuries, follow-up medical care is essential. Many injuries do not present symptoms at first, but can be extremely painful later. If you fail to follow doctor recommendations or get treatment, this may affect the compensation to which you are entitled.
If you suffered serious physical injuries, you may have been rushed to the emergency room and have ongoing care requirements. Ensure you do what the doctor tells you. Do not miss appointments or try to tough it out. Not only can this do irreparable harm to your health, it can negatively affect your personal injury claim.
Maintain Documents and Records
You should always maintain any documents, receipts, or records related to your accident. These might include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Law enforcement accident reports
- Bills and records from your medical treatment
- Estimates and repair costs for damaged vehicles
- Any communications with insurance companies
- Any other costs you incur as a result of the accident
Making sure you keep documents can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. It also makes it much more likely your lawyer can fully investigate and prove your case to win you the compensation you deserve.
Consult an Ohio Car Accident Attorney After an Accident
Knowing what to do after an accident can make a big difference in your life. Consult an Ohio personal injury lawyer to determine what next steps are best for you.Our team at Kitrick, Lewis & Harris are highly experienced Ohio car accident lawyers. Contact us today for a consultation of your case.
