Follow This Free Car Accident Checklist to Help Your Injury Lawsuit
Important Resources
We’ve written before about steps you should take after a car wreck as well as several common mistakes that you should avoid after a crash. Now, we’ve condensed that information into a handy checklist that you can print out or bookmark in case the worst happens and you find yourself in a car accident.
But this checklist isn’t just helpful for crash victims. It’s also an important resource for their loved ones. If someone you care about has been seriously hurt in a crash, they may be too injured to handle these steps on their own. By filling out as much of the information on this checklist as you can gather, you can protect them and help their legal case if they choose to pursue one.
The Car Accident Checklist
One way to use this checklist is to print it out and keep it in your car. That way, you’ll have it handy when you need it.
DOWNLOAD OUR FREE CAR ACCIDENT CHECKLIST
However, we’ve also posted the entire checklist below. If you’d rather not print it out or don’t have access to a printer, you can just bookmark this page and return to it when you need it.
Car Accident Checklist
If an item doesn’t apply to you because you weren’t involved in the crash and you’re helping the victim, it’s okay to skip it, but try to make sure your loved one follows up if possible.
Make Sure That You and Your Passengers Are OK
Check on the people in the other cars that were involved as well. If possible, put out flares or warning signs from your car’s emergency kit to make sure other vehicles can see you.
Contact the Police
Call 911 right away and report the accident so emergency personnel can respond.
Take Pictures of the Scene
Use your personal camera or smartphone to take pictures of the following:
- Damage to your vehicle
- Damage to the other vehicle(s)
- Conditions at the scene (weather, ice, landmarks, etc.)
- Objects at the scene (crash debris, fallen branches, skid marks, etc.)
- Anything else that looks important to you
Get Information About the Driver Who Crashed Into You
Write down the following information as soon as possible after the crash.
Other driver’s information
- Name: __________________________________
- Phone number: _____________________
- Address: ____________________________________________________
- Insurance policy number: ___________________________
- Insurance policy expiration date: __________
About the other driver’s vehicle
- License plate number: ____________________________
- Make: _____________________________
- Model: _____________________________
- Damage to the vehicle: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Get Information About Other Drivers or Passengers Involved in the Crash
If other passengers or multiple drivers were involved in the crash, you’ll want to take down information about them too.
Driver/Passenger 1
- Name: __________________________
- Address: __________________________
__________________________ - Vehicle make: ______________________
- Vehicle model: ______________________
- License plate number: ________________
Driver/Passenger 2
- Name: ____________________________
- Address: __________________________
__________________________ - Vehicle make: ______________________
- Vehicle model: ______________________
- License plate number: ________________
Driver/Passenger 3
- Name: __________________________
- Address: __________________________
__________________________ - Vehicle make: ______________________
- Vehicle model: ______________________
- License plate number: ________________
Driver/Passenger 4
- Name: ____________________________
- Address: __________________________
__________________________ - Vehicle make: ______________________
- Vehicle model: ______________________
- License plate number: ________________
Get Information About Any Witnesses
If anyone else saw what happened, you should take down information about them as soon as possible as well.
Witness 1
- Name: ____________________________
- Address: __________________________
__________________________
Witness 2
- Name: ____________________________
- Address: __________________________
__________________________
Witness 3
- Name: ____________________________
- Address: __________________________
__________________________
Witness 4
- Name: ____________________________
- Address: __________________________
__________________________
Write Down Information About the Crash
- Date: ______________________
- Time: ______________________
- Weather conditions: ______________
________________________________ - Name of the police department that responded: ______________________
- What happened, in your own words? (Feel free to use a separate sheet if you need more space.) ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Get Medical Attention
After getting emergency treatment, make sure to attend any follow-up appointments that your doctor schedules. Tell your doctor about all your symptoms, including physical, psychological, and emotional issues after the crash. And be sure to mention any new symptoms that show up.
Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney for Help
A lawyer can protect your rights and give you advice about your legal options. The sooner you contact an attorney for help, the better. They should be able to launch an investigation of the crash right away and make sure all the evidence gets preserved.
Tell Your Auto Insurance Company About the Crash
Call your insurance agent and tell them about the wreck or, if your insurance company offers the option, file a report online. Your lawyer can help you with this step if you’ve hired one.
DO NOT Sign a Release or Give a Statement to the Insurance Adjuster
The insurance adjuster representing the other driver’s insurance company is not your friend, and you don’t have to talk to them. In fact, they will use anything you say against you. If they contact you and ask to talk, just say “no” and let your lawyer know about it.
Call the Police Department and Request a Copy of the Police Report
The police report is a very important piece of evidence for your case. Call the police department that responded to your accident and ask for a copy of the report as soon as you can. Just remember that the report may take a few days for them to prepare. Your attorney can also help you with this step if you’ve hired one.
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“I went to another law firm and they turned me down…would not take my case. Myers Law Firm met with me, handled my case and would not back down from insurance company. Even when they had to file suit to protect me for my personal injury and property damage. I received a very fair settlement. Mr. Myers I appreciate you and your staff.”
“Mr. Lee-Thanks to you and Bessie for all of your help last year and most recently with the referral. I sold the house and the kids and I moved 8 days before Christmas. God is good, faithful and true.”
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SCHEDULE YOUR CONSULTATIONContact Myers Law Firm if You’ve Been Hurt in a Car Accident in North Carolina
At Myers Law Firm, we understand that a serious car crash can be confusing, stressful, and scary. If you or a loved one has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, we’re here to help. When you choose us to represent you, we’ll act as your advocate and use our legal experience and resources to fight relentlessly for you until your case reaches a resolution.
Call our offices today at 888-376-2889 or fill out the contact form on our website to schedule your free consultation with us. We’ll use this time to get to know you, learn about your case, and inform you about your legal options so you can go forward with confidence.
The content provided here is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject.
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