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Taking The Correct Steps Following A Motor Vehicle Collision November 16, 2018

It can be very traumatic to be involved in a car accident which makes it hard for people to think clearly and be aware of what they should do while they are still at the scene. To help you do the best you can to protect yourself in the aftermath, we have put together a checklist you can either print out or copy so you can keep it in your car at all times, just in case.

Gathering All The Information You Will Need

While you are still at the scene of the collision, you should make it your goal to approach the other parties involved in the collision, as well as any witnesses at the scene. More specifically, what you will need is:

• The name, phone number, and address from the other driver(s).
• The name, phone number, and address from the owner(s) of the other vehicle(s) involved, should they differ from the driver(s).
• The license plate number(s) and vehicle identification number(s) from the other involved vehicle(s), together with a description of its/their make, color, and model. The best way to do this would be by taking photos but writing down notes is also effective.
• The policy number(s) and name(s) of the other drivers’/driver’s insurance company/companies.

All of this information will be important for you to have in the near future as the fault for the accident will be determined, as well as during the process of receiving compensation for damages done to your vehicle, as well as potential medical expenses if you have been injured.

Talking To Potential Witnesses

While you are still at the scene, check for any bystanders who may have witnessed the collision. While passengers from your or other vehicles would also count as witnesses, they cannot be considered wholly objective due to the angle at which they have experienced the collision. And outside third party will have had a much clearly view of the collision itself, as well as to the actions from involved drivers which caused it. This is the information that your personal injury lawyer in Spruce Grove.

So as you are still at the site of the accident, approach the independent witnesses and ask them for their names, addresses, and telephone numbers so you can reach out to them if you need their statements at a later time.

Reporting the Collision

While police officers will generally be present at the scene in the case of a serious accident, there are exceptions in which you will have to come to them. That is why it is important to have the documentation in place. It will help to strengthen your claim process.