What Documentation Should I Secure After a Car Accident?

There is a good possibility that if you drive, at some point you will be involved in a car accident. As with other difficulties in life, it helps to be prepared in the event you do have an accident. Knowledge gives you the power to put yourself in the best situation possible to recover for any injuries or damages that occur in the accident.

Take care to get medical treatment immediately if you have been injured. If you are unable to acquire the documentation listed below, ask a passenger to help or call someone to help if you are close to home or work.

Some items that you should attempt to collect after an auto accident include the following:

• A police report. By calling the police, you create an objective record that can be used in a number of situations. The police will file a crash report with the details of the accident. Where the vehicles were located, existence of skid marks and other evidence can be crucial to determining who was at fault.

• Names and addresses. Be vigilant in getting the names, addresses and phone numbers of all the people who were in the accident as well as any witnesses to the accident. Remember to use your cell phone to record images of injuries, damage and the weather. You can take pictures and video of the accident scene. You can also take a picture of the cars, license plates, and use the phone to show the weather conditions and also to record other information.

• Insurance information. Be polite and request that the police secure the insurance information of the other driver for you, as well as the vehicle identification number of the auto.

• Medical records. See a doctor as soon as possible after the accident.

The above information can be of great help in negotiations with your insurer and in any car accident lawsuit.