Important information can be collected in the immediate aftermath of an automobile accident, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan car accident lawyer Thomas L. Stroble says.
Bloomfield Hills, Michigan (PRWEB) November 18, 2010
Because of the greater risk of being in an automobile accident during the upcoming holiday season, motorists should carry with them a checklist of what to do after a crash, Michigan car accident attorney Thomas L. Stroble says.
“During the holidays, your thoughts are naturally more on shopping lists than accident checklists, but this is an important way to help you to protect your rights if you are in a car wreck,” says Stroble, whose personal injury law firm, The Michigan Injury Lawyers, P.C., represents vehicle accident victims throughout Oakland County and the surrounding area.
“This list reminds you about the critical information that can be collected right at the scene of the accident and which could be useful to you and your attorney down the road,” Stroble says.
According to the Michigan State Police, there were 10 car crashes and 11 fatalities during last year’s Thanksgiving weekend, which kicks off the holiday season.
Possible reasons for this spike in car accidents could be the heavy travel that takes place at this time of year as well as the increase in drunk driving and drowsy driving amid the holiday festivities.
If you are in an automobile accident, you should first seek emergency medical attention by calling for EMS, Stroble says. Unless you are immediately transported away by EMS, Stroble suggests taking the following steps:
- Get the other driver’s information. This includes the driver’s name, address, phone number, license number and any insurance information.
- Get the names and contact information of eyewitnesses. Often, other motorists or pedestrians will stay at the accident scene and leave once police or EMS arrives. It is important to get their information quickly, if possible.
- Take photographs. Storing a disposable camera in your car is a good idea. You can also use a cell phone camera to take photographs of the car damage, skid marks, stoplights, signs and other images from the scene.
- Get the police report number. You should follow up and get a copy of this report within 1-2 days after the accident. It may also be a good idea to get the officer’s name.
Insurance companies tend to contact a car accident victim shortly after the accident occurs. Stroble advises victims to avoid speaking to any insurance representative until after first consulting with an attorney.
“If you have collected as much information as possible at the accident scene, it will assist an attorney with evaluating your case,” Stroble says. “That’s why I strongly suggest making a checklist and keeping a copy in your car just in case you need it.”
About The Michigan Injury Lawyers, P.C.
The Michigan Injury Lawyers, P.C. is a full-service law firm based in Bloomfield Hills, MI, which represents car accident victims and their families throughout the state of Michigan, including Macomb County, Oakland County, Warren, Clinton Township, Sterling Heights, St. Clair Shores, Mount Clemens, Utica, Roseville, Troy, Farmington Hills, Waterford, Southfield, Pontiac, Birmingham, Rochester Hills, West Bloomfield and Bloomfield Hills. The firm’s personal injury practice areas also include truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, medical malpractice, birth injuries, slip and falls, dog bites and wrongful death cases. To learn more about The Michigan Injury Lawyers, P.C. call (248) 454-0800 or (888) 454-0801 or use the firm’s online contact form.