The aftermath of a traffic collision can be overwhelming. Knowing the first steps to take after a Connecticut car accident is crucial to protecting your rights and any future legal claim. From immediately dialing 911 to seeking medical treatment and collecting evidence, every action counts. In the chaos of the moment, it’s easy to overlook critical details, but our guide will ensure you’re prepared.
Remember, seeking legal counsel can provide clarity and support during this challenging time. Do not hesitate to call our seasoned legal team at D’Amico & Pettinicchi, LLC, for help after you’re involved in a motor vehicle wreck.
When you’re involved in a car crash in Connecticut, there are several things you should do quickly, but the number one thing is to call 911. You should report the accident to law enforcement, tell them about any injuries, and explain what happened.
Whether you’re obviously hurt or you just don’t feel good, you should seek medical attention. Oftentimes, getting diagnosed with injuries is a complex assessment. The sooner you do, the more information a physician or emergency room has to assess your injuries and their cause. Documentation of any injuries early on can also be used as evidence in a later civil claim.
Another critical step to take after a Connecticut car wreck, if you’re able to, is taking photos of all the vehicles involved in the collision. Also, take pictures of the accident scene itself. Many people will remember to take photos of their vehicle and possibly the other driver’s vehicle, but they rarely remember to take photos of the scene. Pictures of the accident scene will help your attorney understand how the crash occurred and who is responsible.
While you’re on the accident scene, if you can, get the insurance information of the other driver. All you need to do is take a picture of their insurance card. You don’t need to write anything down, just take a photo of the front and back of the card. Some people have a digital insurance card on their cell phone; if this is this case, you can even ask them to text it to you.
If there are other people around and it is safe to do so, ask for their contact information. If you have friends or family you’ve called and reported the crash to, they can even come down to the accident scene and ask questions while you get medical treatment. At the very least, they can talk to witnesses and get their contact information if you are unable to do so. Witness testimony can prove valuable in determining how the accident occurred and who is at fault.
Not every accident is somebody’s fault; there are circumstances where accidents do happen. Assessing whether that’s the case or whether another person’s negligence caused your injury can be complicated. You might initially think it was just an accident and no one’s fault because you don’t have all the information, or you were quickly swept away from the crash scene. Or you thought your injuries would resolve quickly, only to find out they continue to linger on months later. The only way to uncover what really happened is to perform a thorough investigation, which our experienced team of attorneys can help with.
Enlisting the help of a trusted lawyer is one of the most important steps to take after a Connecticut car accident. Call D’Amico & Pettinicchi, LLC now for a free case review.
