How to Describe a Car Accident?

Ryan Zavodnick | May 2, 2024 | Car Accidents

Car accidents are sudden and stressful events, which can make remembering the precise details of an accident difficult. Time is often of the essence, as memories of specific details will fade or may become inaccurate as time passes.

There are steps you can take in the aftermath of a car accident to help you describe the accident, protect your legal interests, and, if necessary, pursue compensation for your injuries.

Let’s look at some of the steps to accurately describing a car accident in Philadelphia, PA.

Write Down Your Thoughts After the Accident

As soon as possible after the accident, write down your memory of the accident. Try to be as objective and honest as possible when doing this. You can also make an audio recording if that’s easier than writing down your thoughts.

Here are some things to consider when collecting and recording your thoughts about the accident:

How many vehicles were involved?
Were there any passengers?
Where were you when the accident occurred?
What caused the accident? If you aren’t sure, attempt to identify what might have happened.
Describe the other driver’s negligent actions, such as speeding or aggressive driving.
Were there any signs that the other driver was impaired?
Record any details about the use of signals and brakes that you recall, including those of yourself and the other driver.
Were there any witnesses, and do you have their names?
Did the other driver make any statements to you after the accident?

Include any other information you recall leading up to or following the accident that might be relevant.

Take Pictures and Videos

In addition to writing down your memory of the accident, you should try to photograph the accident scene.

This may include:

Photographing the vehicles’ positions after the accident, before they’ve been moved.
Taking pictures of license plates and mile markers or street signs.
Photographing any visible damage to the vehicles, damage to other property, and skid marks on the road.

Taking pictures or videos immediately after the accident will also show what the weather and lighting were like when the accident occurred.

Gather Important Contact Information

Once it’s safe to do so, you should exchange personal information with the other driver, including names, driver’s license numbers, insurance details, and vehicle registration.

If the other driver leaves the scene before exchanging information, try to note their license plate number and vehicle make, model, and color, then call the police.

You should also gather names and contact information for any witnesses, if possible.

Answer Questions from the Police and Insurance Providers

You may need to speak with law enforcement or an insurance company in the aftermath of an accident. Answer their questions truthfully and politely, but try not to give them more than the necessary information. You want to avoid making an incorrect statement that could negatively impact a potential personal injury case.

Here are some things to keep in mind while speaking with the police or insurance providers:

Ask for the officer’s name to make it easier to obtain a police report later
Answer the police’s questions truthfully.
Only tell the insurance company the basic facts of the accident.
Tell the insurance company if you plan to seek legal representation.

Your descriptions of the car accident to the police or the insurance company may be compared to your claims about the car accident in the future. So, it’s important that you are truthful but don’t share more information than necessary until you’ve consulted an attorney.

Consult an Experienced Philadelphia Car Accident Attorney

If you were injured in a car accident, consider speaking with a knowledgeable car accident lawyer as soon as possible. Once you’ve described the car accident to them, they can discuss whether you have a potential claim for compensation. They can also help seek additional evidence to support your claim and communicate with the insurance company on your behalf.

Consider Keeping a Checklist in Your Car

It may be helpful to keep a checklist in your car of the steps to take when describing a car accident. Car accidents are stressful, and it may be difficult to remember all of this information in the immediate aftermath of a crash.

Schedule Your Free Consultation With an Experienced Philadelphia Car Accident Attorney

If you were injured in a car crash in Philadelphia, PA, and another driver was at fault, you may be able to recover compensation for your injuries. It’s crucial that you take steps to accurately describe the accident.

To discuss your car accident case further, contact an experienced car accident attorney for a free initial consultation.

To learn more and get the help you deserve, call Zavodnick & Lasky Personal Injury Lawyers at (215) 608-2279 or contact us online.
You can also visit our law firm at 123 S Broad St #1220, Philadelphia, PA 19109.