What to Do Immediately Following a Car Accident in Ohio
A car accident can be physically and emotionally traumatizing. The last thing you want after getting involved in a car accident is for it to continually torment you and your loved ones. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and property damage.
Knowing the right things to do when you have been involved in a car accident can have a significant impact on the outcome of your car accident claim. Here are the steps you should take after the accident to help build your case against the at-fault party.
Remain Calm and Call 911
It is important that you remain calm and seek medical attention as soon as you can. Even if you do not feel hurt, be sure to see a doctor as some injuries — including serious ones like internal bleeding — tend to show up several days after the accident.
Call the Police
If the accident resulted in an injury that requires medical attention, a fatality or property damage amounting to $1,000 or more, then you need to call the police to the accident scene. Besides keeping the paper trail of the accident, notifying the police of the crash will save you from certain legal consequences. Remember, failure to report an accident when you should is a minor misdemeanor in Ohio.
Document the Accident Scene
While it is your legal representative’s job to put together evidence for your car accident claim, some of the most crucial evidence can be documented immediately following the accident. These include characteristics of the crash scene, the extent of property damage, your injuries and weather condition at the time of the crash. Take as many photos of the accident scene and your injuries as you can.
A car accident can leave you physically and mentally shaken. However, it is important to understand that car accident claims are won or lost on account of evidence. Taking these crucial steps can help you gather the evidence you need to file a successful personal injury claim and get the compensation you deserve.
