As you drive, you see a car suddenly turn toward you, and you immediately become involved in a motor vehicle collision. Your emotions run high, as your injuries are severe.
Sometimes, an auto wreck happens in Minnesota due to the carelessness of another driver. Here are a few steps that are important to take directly after the injury crash to protect your best interests.
First steps to take at the scene
As soon as the crash occurs, staying at the scene is the most important thing you can do initially. Especially if an injury has occurred to you and others, leaving the accident scene may lead to criminal penalties for you, as you have essentially committed a hit-and-run crime.
Next, checking on every passenger and driver at the crash scene is critical to make sure that all are okay. For those who have been hurt in the accident, including yourself, pursuing medical attention right away is paramount. However, it is essential that no one with back or neck pain be moved until medical professionals arrive, as this could exacerbate one’s health condition. Finally, contacting the police so that they can file a report on the wreck may be expedient.
Next steps at the crash scene
While at the scene of the accident, it may behoove you to talk to anyone who witnessed the accident. In addition to getting his or her side of the story, obtaining the individual’s personal information, including his or her name, address and phone number, might be helpful down the road.
Exchanging information with the driver who caused the accident can also be a beneficial idea. However, while gathering his or her personal information, not apologizing for anything is important. For instance, if you say you are sorry for not seeing a stop sign and then ask if everybody is okay, you might be admitting financial responsibility for the injuries that occurred as a result of the crash.
What to do after the accident
Anytime you go to the doctor, you may want to track your medical treatments and their associated bills. You may also want to create a record showing how the injuries you suffered have affected your life on a daily basis.
Fortunately, even though your injuries may be life disrupting, you have the right to seek compensation for them if a negligent driver caused them. A monetary award may help to address your medical costs and other losses related to the auto wreck. Monetary compensation may also help with addressing pain and suffering stemming from the accident.