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What to do if you are injured in a car crash
- Seek immediate medical attention.
- Ensure that a police report is made as soon as possible after the collision and request a copy of the police report.
- Obtain the name and address of the other driver(s) involved in the collision, the name of their insurance company, the policy number, their driver's license number, and plate number.
- Obtain the names, addresses, and phone numbers of anyone who witnessed the collision.
- Report the collision to your insurance company.
- Take photographs of the damage to all vehicles if possible.
- Take photographs of the scene of the collision.
- Do not speak with the other driver(s), their insurance company or investigator, or any witnesses.
- Keep a log of all of your medical treatment and bills as well as your physical complaints.
- Attend any traffic court hearings for citations issued to the other driver pertaining to liability.
- Do not talk to any insurance companies without consulting with an experienced auto accident attorney.
- Retain an attorney who is experienced in the area of motor vehicle accidents at your earliest opportunity to protect your rights.
Finally, don't listen to non-lawyers or anyone else not directly involved with your case. In the event of an accident, everyone will have an opinion, but no two cases are alike. What was best for your neighbor isn't necessarily the best thing for you, because you and your situation are unique.
An Accident Can Change Your Life
A collision with another motor vehicle can change life as you know it in an instant — perhaps leading to serious injuries, a lengthy medical recovery, lost wages, lifelong disability, or even death. If you or a loved one is injured in a motor vehicle accident, you may be entitled to recover compensation including property damage, medical expenses, pain and suffering, wage loss, and future medical care.
Motor vehicle accidents cause more deaths than all natural disasters combined. According to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were nearly 6 million reported motor vehicle accidents in 2006, causing 2.6 million injuries and 43,000 deaths. In Ohio, the annual number of fatal car crashes is approximately 1,400.
In order to recover for injuries sustained in a crash, you must be able to prove that some person caused the crash due to negligent or reckless driving or that a defect in the roadway or the vehicle caused the accident. If the accident occurred while you were on the job, you may have grounds for a workers' compensation claim as well.
Mancini Law Group P.C. is a full-service law firm with locations in Chicago, IL, and Columbus, OH that concentrates on motor vehicle accidents and injuries. The attorneys of Anthony Mancini have dedicated their careers to advocating the rights of those injured by the negligence of others.