Been In A Car Accident? Don't Forget These Important Steps Towards Recovery
If you've been involved in a car accident, the two most important steps you can take are seeking medical care and hiring an attorney. Those steps will help to ensure your recovery, both financially and physically. But, there are other steps that you'll need to take as well. Now that you're trying to recover from a car accident, here are three steps you need to take.
Document the Scene
If you've been in a car accident, it's crucial that you document the scene. This should involve recording the area, including the approach to the scene. Drawing out a map of the scene is an important component, but it often leaves out vital details. Instead, you may want to have someone drive the route you took while you record the trip. This way, your attorney can see what you saw at the time of the accident. Try to make the recording at about the same time of day as the accident. That way, your attorney can also see key details such as the position of the sun and traffic patterns.
Record Your Own Statement
In addition to the scene, you also want to record your own statement. A written statement might not allow you to document everything that transpired before, during, and after the accident. Unfortunately, missing those details can make a big difference during the negotiations. Instead, sit down and record your statement for yourself. Once you've recorded your statement, listen to the recording several times. As you remember new details, add them to your recording. Once you've remembered everything you can about the accident, use your recording to write your official statement for your attorney.
Go Beyond the Body Damage
If your car was damaged in the accident, you know that you'll need to have the body damage repaired. But, you need to go beyond the body damage. You need to make sure that the rest of the car is in sound condition before you take possession of it again. People often focus on the body damage but may fail to think about the mechanical damage that occurred during the accident. Unfortunately, if the mechanical damage isn't addressed, your car might never run right again. Not only that, the problems can plague you long after the settlement is reached. To make sure mechanical issues are identified and addressed, take your car to a comprehensive collision center for repairs. That way, you know your entire car is repaired, and you have a comprehensive list of repair costs to give to your attorney.
Contact a car accident attorney for more information.