After an accident the shock and physical pain can be very overwhelming. The last thing you may be thinking about is legal matters. However, you should still make the proper documentations. Whether or not you decide to pursue a claim, at least you have the information ready.

First, photograph your injuries and the damages to your car. Gather all automobile insurance policies in your household for evaluation by an attorney, and inform your insurance company of the accident. Obtain legal advice before filling out insurance documents, giving recorded statements to any insurance company, or meeting with any insurance company representative. It is especially important to consult an attorney before giving a statement to the other driver’s insurance company. Do not sign any check or document from any insurance company without first consulting an experienced personal injury attorney.

Consult a physician as soon as possible. You may experience a time lag between the collision and full awareness of the extent of your injuries. Certain injuries may not be apparent until sometime after an accident. By not seeing a doctor, you risk delaying your treatment and aggravating your injury. Even minor soreness can be an indication of a more significant injury. Therefore, if you believe there is any chance you may have been injured, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. An insurance company may argue that the failure of an individual to see a doctor right away indicates that an injury must have resulted from an unrelated event after the accident. The longer you wait for medical treatment, the more difficult it will be to connect the injuries to the accident. Be sure to report any memory loss, headaches, blood or fluid in your ear, dizziness, ringing in your ears, disorientation, nausea, or confusion.

Within a few days of the accident, record all important information, license numbers, and the year, make and color of all vehicles involved, and the details of the accident, including date, time, location, road conditions, traffic controls, and weather conditions. If you have not yet contacted an attorney, you should talk to a solicitor that has the experience, dedication and ability to maximize your compensation and minimize the frustration, delay and confusion that you may experience when you make an injury claim.

Document all of your losses, including medical bills, reasonable transportation costs related to the injuries, future medical treatment, lost wages, future loss of earnings, the effect on your family, and the effect on your life. An experienced attorney can help you identify all losses that may be related to your accident.