Protect Yourself After A Car Accident
What should you do if you are injured in a motor vehicle collision? What are your legal options after a car accident, and how can you protect yourself? There are hundreds of accidents on Ontario’s roads every day, many of which result in some kind of personal injury. If you are hurt, there are a lot of things to think about right away. Managing the impact on your day-to-day life can be challenging, and on top of that you have insurance forms to complete and medical treatment you need to recover.
Although you may not be considering a legal claim right away, there are some simple steps you can take to protect your legal rights and bolster a future personal injury claim after a car accident.
Report the accident to the police
Even if a collision does not seem serious, and even if damage to your vehicle is minimal, it is still important to contact local police and report the accident right away. Having a police report immediately after the car accident, as well as statements from anyone involved, helps to establish the facts about what happened.
Keep records of the accident
Do not rely on the police to obtain this information. If anyone witnessed the accident, do your best to get their names and contact details. Take photographs of the scene yourself, including road signs and traffic signals, the location of the vehicles, and close-up images of any damage caused by the accident. If the roads are wet or icy, take photographs of the weather and road surfaces. Back-up your photographs as soon as you can using a secure drive or server. Consider making some notes or diarizing your account about what happened while it is fresh in your mind.
Document your injuries
If you are hurt but do not require emergency medical treatment, see your family doctor or visit a walk-in clinic as soon as possible. They will write down the details of your injuries in their notes and keep records of any medication or treatment prescribed. You can also keep your own notes or diary about how your injuries develop, and to chart the course of your recovery.
Speak with a personal injury lawyer
After a car accident, you have a limited window of time to begin a legal claim. An experienced personal injury lawyer can review your situation and advise you about your legal rights and options for recovery. Your lawyer will also ensure that your insurance company does not attempt to limit or deny your available compensation.
The team at Derfel Injury Law specializes in personal injury and motor vehicle claims. If you have been involved in an accident, we can provide guidance and support so you can focus on getting your life back on track. Call us at 416-847-3580 to schedule a visit at the office nearest to you, or contact us online.