What To Do Right After a Car Accident in Delaware

Have You Recently Been in a Car Accident in Delaware? Here’s How Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help You

Nobody enjoys car accidents. At best, a minor fender bender puts a dent in your schedule that day. For many, the consequences of a collision can result in long-term, if not permanent medical complications such as injury rehabilitation, the development of a new disability, and let’s not forget the steep treatment costs that you may need compensation for. 

If you have been the victim of a car accident in Delaware, you should contact a personal injury lawyer immediately to help you receive the justice you deserve. Our team at Brockstedt Mandalas Federico LLP have put in countless hours with our clients to ensure they are appropriately compensated after suffering the results of unfortunate auto incidents. 

Before you contact a legal practice like ours, though, we recommend you adhere to the following best practices after your accident: 

What to Do Immediately Following a Collision

In many cases, car accidents can quickly become an anxiety-inducing and disorienting experience. As much as possible, we advise that you remain as calm as possible and remember to keep these important steps in mind: 

Make sure you and your passengers are safe

First, check yourself for any signs of injury. If you have other passengers with you, also ask them if they are hurt. 

Assess your vehicle

If able, you should then exit your vehicle with your insurance information handy. Take pictures of your vehicle and the other driver’s to have a visual record of the incident. 

Then, you and the other driver should exchange insurance information. Though you may experience heightened emotions during this time, it is important to remain calm and wait for the authorities to arrive at the scene. 

Contact Emergency services and remain at the scene

No matter what, do not flee the scene of an accident. Not only is this illegal, but it will severely damage your case if you need to pursue personal injury justice later. 

Call the police and provide them with the approximate location of the accident. Tell them that you would like a report of the incident, and the local department will dispatch an officer to your location. The officer will take a statement from all involved in the collision as well as interview any nearby witnesses to compile the most accurate record possible. 

If a driver or passenger has sustained injuries that require medical attention, be sure to also call 911 or ask the officer at the scene to notify paramedics. Emergency medical services will arrive to provide any on-site screenings, treatments, or transportation to a hospital.

In the event you feel any pressure in your head, stiffness in your neck and shoulders, or other pain, you should request that paramedics arrive at the scene. Some injuries may not seem apparent to the average person at the moment of the accident, but once the adrenaline and shock from the collision wane, you might start to experience pain in parts of your body. A paramedic can help screen you for concussions and ask you questions about how you are feeling to best advise you if you should be evaluated at a hospital for any head injuries. 

Before the officer departs from the scene, be sure to ask for a copy of the police report. This documentation will prove vital evidence should you need to pursue legal action with a personal injury lawyer at a later date. 

Get in touch with your insurance provider

Once everyone has left the scene of the accident, you should contact your auto insurance provider before driving away yourself. Provide them with an account of the incident, but refrain from admitting fault or taking responsibility for it while speaking with a representative. 

You should also refrain from contacting the insurance providers of other parties involved in the accident. Instead, keep their provider’s information somewhere secure and have it ready in case you need to speak to a personal injury lawyer about your accident in the future. 

Begin creating a case file

You should compile all records of the accident, such as insurance information, police reports, and any medical documentation. Store them in a secure location that you can easily access. If you decide to pursue compensation for your injury, your lawyer will need all of this information to build your case and argue effectively on your behalf before the court. 

Consult With A Car Accident Attorney Anytime

Whether you are certain or uncertain about pursuing compensation for your accident in a court of law, you should contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as you are able to. They can advise you on the best legal course of action to take and will help represent you when it is time to take on the stressful world of litigation, especially when insurance companies are involved. 

Let Your Team of Attorneys Help You With Your Delaware Personal Injury Case

From Wilmington to Newark, Dover, Rehoboth Beach, and all the way down to Georgetown, our car accident attorneys have helped residents from all over the State of Delaware receive compensation following car accidents. 

If you have recently been injured in a car accident and would like to know more about pursuing financial compensation, please do not hesitate to contact us at any time.