Even if you have never had a car accident, you likely know how dangerous the roads in and around Oklahoma City can be. While driving responsibly is a good way to minimize your chances of sustaining a serious injury in a crash, you cannot control the actions of other drivers. Eventually, a negligent motorist may put your health in jeopardy.
Motor vehicle accidents often leave drivers and passengers with significant injuries. Unfortunately, though, injuries may not appear immediately after a collision. As such, you should always seek a medical evaluation following any type of crash. To pursue just compensation from the negligent driver who caused your injuries, you should also gather certain types of records. Here are four of them.
1. Police reports
Police officers understand both how to investigate accidents and how to write reliable reports. Because an official record of the crash is often essential in assigning fault, you should obtain a copy of the police report. Note, however, there may be more than one police report you need to locate.
2. Medical records
When you see a doctor about your injuries, you should begin a file for your medical records. Keep diagnoses documents, test results, bills and other treatment-related records from any emergency responders, treating physicians, therapists and other medical professionals you encounter.
3. Financial documents
Following a car crash, you may have to take time off work to recover from your injuries. Be sure to retain financial documents that show your loss. If you have records of expenses that stem from the accident, such as receipts from hotel rooms, keep those as well.
4. Damage reports
If your vehicle sustained damage in a car accident, you should keep inspection and repair records. These may include insurance reports, repair receipts, towing documents and other related records.
Recovering from the injuries you suffer in a car accident can take a tremendous amount of physical, emotional and mental energy. Still, you should not have to pay for the consequences of someone else’s negligence. Retaining important documents is a critical step in receiving the compensation you deserve.