Essential Information You Should Collect After an Accident

Accidents can be unsettling, traumatic experiences. While dealing with stress and shock, it's easy to overlook the critical information that must be collected post-incident. This valuable data plays a crucial role in any potential legal action, insurance claims, and personal injury cases that may arise.

In this blog article, we'll identify and explain the essential information you should collect after an accident to safeguard both your rights and interests. So, if you find yourself shaken by a mishap or engaged in an unfortunate event, you'll have the awareness to gather the necessary evidence.

Driver's and Witnesses' Information

The first step after assessing any injuries and ensuring all involved are okay is to exchange insurance information with the other motorist. Do not get into an argument with the other driver; instead, contact the police for help if they refuse to provide you with the requested information.

Acquire the driver's name, address, contact information (including a phone number and electronic mail address), and insurance information. With this information, everyone concerned will be able to communicate effectively. Also, make sure they can legally drive by exchanging information about their driver's licenses to confirm their identification.

Get pictures of the accident site, all vehicles involved (including your own), the other vehicle's license plate number, and the manufacturer and model year of the other car if you can.

Never lose your composure, and do not talk to the other motorist about the collision or acknowledge fault. It is wise to make a note of any eyewitnesses, and their contact details, as their evidence could be crucial in establishing fault.

Police Report

A police report often contains an impartial description of the event, including crucial data like the time, place, people involved, witnesses, and an initial evaluation of blame. If you ever need to deal with insurance companies or go to court, having a copy of this report on hand will be invaluable.

You have two options for obtaining a copy of the police report. You can either ask the responding officer for one or visit the station in person. The best course of action is to obtain the officer's identification number and inquire about the processing time for the report. Also, make sure to inquire about the necessary paperwork and costs for obtaining a copy.

The officer's conclusions in the report are relied upon by claim adjusters, judges, and juries because of their extensive training and expertise. Additionally, it can give an unbiased description of the accident, which is often more credible than testimonies from people directly involved. If you need to know who is responsible in a lawsuit or court case, this report has you covered.

No Fault

In New York State you have 30 days from the date of the accident to file an application for No Fault benefits for medical bills or lost wages that you incur as a result of the accident. In many cases you can do this online. In any event, this is an important deadline to be aware of.

Records of Expenses and Losses

Gather any documentation that pertains to your car repairs or medical care, such as receipts. Everything from car repair projections and invoices to hospital bills, injury paperwork, and treatment plans falls under this category.

If you want to prove how bad your injuries were and how much it cost to treat them, you need to have all of your medical paperwork and bills. To make sure you get the money you deserve, this data is vital for insurance claims and possible litigation.

You must get the repair estimates and bills as soon as possible once your car becomes damaged. You may find details on the damage, the repair cost, and if your car is back to how it was before the accident in these records. If you want the insurance provider to pay you fairly for your car repairs, you need to give them this information.

You should also record the amount of money you lost from work due to your injuries. If you want an accurate picture of your income loss, you must acquire documents that prove what your work pay was like after the accident, such as pay stubs.

Contact us at Neimark Coffinas & Lapp, LLP for legal representation with personal injury lawsuits and claims in Rockland County.