Being involved in a car wreck can be a pain in the neck, literally and figuratively. If you are hurt during a car wreck, it is necessary to take these 5 steps right away to support a potential personal injury claim.

1) First, contact the police. If you are involved in a car wreck, you need to involve law enforcement. Having officers present and filing a police report is crucial to establishing the facts of the accident. Having the police issue a citation to the other driver for traffic violations is important evidence to show the driver’s negligence. Additionally, the police will collect information from you, the other parties involved, and any witnesses helps you argue your case. The police will also call for medical help if needed.

2) Second, you need to gather evidence and document the scene of the crash to build a viable case. Although law enforcement conducts an investigation at the crash scene, it would be prudent that you obtain your own evidence from the scene. You should try to get:

(a) the name and insurance information of the other driver,

(b) witness names,

(c) contact information of the other driver and witnesses, and take

(d) pictures of the wreck, automobile body damage, road conditions, and any skid marks.

3) Third, seek medical treatment. If you think you suffered injury from the accident, see a doctor as soon as possible. You might be tempted to skip out on medical attention if you have minor symptoms such as soreness or a headache. These can be signs of a more serious injury that could take days or weeks to fully manifest. Visiting the hospital will provide documentation for any injuries and help you get necessary treatment.

4) Fourth, do not skip any doctor’s appointments or allow any gaps in medical treatment. Gaps between periods of medical treatment can weaken your case and cause the insurance adjuster to argue that you are not really injured as serious as you saying. This may result in a reduction or denial in your potential compensation.

5) Fifth, you need to be skeptical of the initial offer that the insurance adjuster makes. The adjuster usually sends you a low-ball offer in efforts to maximize the insurance company’s profits while minimizing the compensation you deserve.

Following these tips will help you build a strong case that can get you the compensation you deserve. While for-profit insurance companies treat you like a number, you should consider consulting a lawyer that will take your case personally. At The Montgomery Law Firm, we will help you track medical treatment, seek fair compensation, and help you avoid making mistakes that could weaken your claim.