Did you know there are over 6 million car accidents in the United States each year? That means the odds of you getting into a car accident are alarmingly high.
If you’ve ever been in an accident or seen one unfold, you know how scary and stressful they can be. Oftentimes, people completely blank on what they should do and what paperwork they need when this situation occurs.
But knowing what to do and having a car accident checklist on hand is essential for handling the situation correctly.
Car Accident Checklist: 6 Documents to Keep if You’re Injured
Not sure what a car accident checklist is, or what documents you should have on hand? Well, here are 6 documents you should always have if you get injured in an automotive accident.
1. Police Report
If a police officer showed up at the scene of the accident, chances are they prepared an accident report. This report has crucial information for any potential injury lawsuit. For example, it includes things like the potential causes of the accident, observations made by the responding officer, and statements from drivers, passengers, and witnesses.
You’ll need to provide the responding law enforcement agency information like this:
- Date and location of the accident
- Name of drivers involved
- Name and badge number of responding officers
Once you provide this information, you’ll be able to get a copy of the report.
2. Medical Report
If you were hurt in the crash or went to the doctor, you should get copies of all relevant medical records and payments related to your treatment. Your report should also cover things like treatment received, treatments provided, medical opinions, and any medications you were prescribed.
These are essential documents for any personal injury lawsuit.
3. Car Insurance Policy
It’s good to have your car insurance policy on hand as your attorney will want to review it. This document outlines how much coverage you have if you make a claim and any exclusions they should know of. This is essential if you have to make an underinsured or uninsured motorist claim with your insurance.
4. Car Accident Journal
Documentary evidence like a car accidental journal can really help your case. It can highlight your day-to-day life after the accident injury and make it easier to recall anything that’s happened. This will even make you less likely to forget important information that helps your case.
5. Vehicle Damage Estimates
Chances are if you’re in an auto accident that your vehicle will be damaged. If this is the case, you’ll need to know how much money repairs will cost and what your car was worth before the accident happened. This will impact how much insurance or lawsuit money you get to cover repairs.
As always, review your car insurance policy for specifics on how damage estimates are handled. But you should also get vehicle repair estimates from reputable auto body shops to back up your damage estimate.
6. Proof of Income Record
People who miss work because of their accident should have a proof of income record on hand to highlight their lost income. You’ll need this to be able to recover the corresponding lost income.
You can show proof of income with documents like paycheck stubs and direct deposits. In fact, these documents should show the exact amount of income you missed out on because of work absences.
Final Thoughts on Car Accident Checklists
Car accidents are common, so it’s important to know the ins-and-outs of what to do should you ever end up in one. By keeping this car accident checklist in mind, you can handle any insurance or legal issues that arise and get what you’re entitled to.
Have you been injured as a result of a car accident? Need legal assistance? Contact us to find out how we can help!