California’s busy roads can be overwhelming. When drivers are in a rush and not paying attention, pedestrians are the ones who get hurt the most. If a car hits you and you suffer injuries, it’s important to record what happened. This information helps when you file a claim with insurance companies to cover your costs.
Below are some steps you can take to safely record the incident while also keeping comprehensiveness in mind.
Safety first, then document
Make sure you’re safe before you start gathering information. Once you’re out of danger, follow these steps:
- Move away from traffic if you can
- Check for injuries and call 911 if needed
- Take pictures of the accident scene and any injuries
- Get the driver’s contact and insurance details
- Ask witnesses for their contact information
- Write down or record what happened
- Note the car’s make, model, color and license plate
- If police come, get the officer’s name and badge number
After you’ve followed these steps safely, you’ll have a good record of the accident. This information is important when you deal with insurance companies later. Remember, as a hurt pedestrian, only take these steps if you’re physically able and it’s safe to do so.
Your health and safety should always come first. If you’re seriously injured, focus on getting medical help. You can gather more information later if needed.
Build your claim with documentation
After you’ve gathered information at the scene, start building your claim. Start by organizing all the photos, notes and contact details. Keep them safe, either on paper or saved digitally.
You’ll need more than just accident scene information for a pedestrian accident case in California. Other important documents to collect include medical records, proof of lost wages and documentation of any ongoing pain or disability. These additional documents help establish the full extent of your damages when filing an insurance claim.
For help with your claim, consider talking to a lawyer. They can make sure you have all the necessary records and guide you through filing a claim to cover your losses.