Tens of thousands of people are injured in car accidents every year. Most car crashes are caused by negligence, so they could have been prevented. If you were involved in an auto accident caused by a driver not having his headlights on, you can pursue a personal injury claim to recoup compensation for the damages you suffered because of the crash.
You will need to ensure you do everything to protect your rights and to preserve evidence. Personal injury claims can be challenging, especially when it becomes a he-said, she-said situation. Here are five things to do if you were in an accident and the other driver didn’t have his headlights on:
- Always stay on the scene of the crash and call the police. You will need an accident report completed. The officer will need you to provide a detailed statement regarding what happened. Only state the facts, not opinions. The officer will investigate the crash and will usually determine fault or liability. You will need to get a copy of the accident report for your records.
- Take photos of the crash scene. If you are physically able to do so, you will need to use your smartphone and photograph the crash scene. Get pictures from all angles. Get photos of the damages and photos of visible injuries. This can help show where the vehicles were located, how the impact occurred, and who is responsible for the damages.
- Check to see if there are any witnesses. If there are witnesses, that can significantly help your personal injury claim against the other party. Witnesses can confirm that the other driver wasn’t using his headlights and that could have made a significant difference. They will need to provide written statements detailing what they saw, and they should include their names and contact details. Corroborating witnesses can make a personal injury claim successful.
- Establish medical care. Delaying medical care can be detrimental to your personal injury claim. You should establish medical care right away, so see a medical professional at an urgent care clinic or emergency room the day of the accident. Be sure to continue with follow-up care and adhere to doctor’s orders. Keep copies of medical bills and medical records and maintain documentation to show that you have missed work and lost wages.
- Enlist the help of a personal injury attorney. Personal injury claims are challenging, and this case, it becomes a he said-she said matter. You will need the guidance of a legal professional to investigate the accident and help you prove the other driver wasn’t using his headlights.
Personal injury lawyers work on a contingency basis, so you will not have any out-of-pocket expenses. There is a strict statute of limitations, so don’t wait too late to get your claim underway. Complete the Free Case Evaluation on this page today!
