If you have been involved in a vehicle accident and are considering filing a claim for damages, you may want to start gathering information that will help to support your suit. In addition to your personal account of the accident, here are important information sources to review and collect that will help to objectively illustrate the facts of your claim.

Traffic Accident Report

An auto accident report should be reported to local law enforcement authorities. When they arrive, they will conduct an investigation into the details of the accident involving the vehicles, as well as injuries sustained by people driving or riding as passengers in the vehicles, along with any pedestrians who may be involved. The traffic report will be filed within a day or two of the accident, and it can generally be retrieved online at the law enforcement agency at no cost.

Emergency Room Record

If you feel that you have sustained mental or physical injuries from the collision, or if the accident was serious enough that the potential for injury is valid, it is a good idea to go to a hospital Emergency Department for an evaluation. If the doctors feel that follow-up is needed, they will refer you for further tests and observations to your primary care physician or, if you don’t have one, a doctor that is able to examine you in greater detail to determine whether injuries have occurred or if additional tests and monitoring are needed. These medical records will become part of your hospital or doctor’s office file and may be obtained later for review, with your consent.

Auto Accident Attorney Consultation

After filing an accident report and being medically checked for injuries, another important step is to consult an auto accident lawyer. The attorney can explain your rights and responsibilities as a possible victim, as well as legal damages you may be able to claim. You can also find out about the statute of limitations so you can decide within the legal timeframe whether you intend to file a claim, and if so, to prepare for it before the statute runs out. The attorney may also be able to advise you about possible legal action.

Insurance Company Claim

If you file an insurance claim with your insurer or against the person responsible for the accident, documentation of the claim will be helpful information. Discuss details with your insurance company.

Auto accident injuries can be extensive and long-lasting. Methodical exploration of the issues through sources like these can help you make informed legal decisions.

Author Info: Rachelle Wilber is a freelance writer living in the San Diego, California area. She graduated from San Diego State University with her Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Media Studies. She tries to find an interest in all topics and themes, which prompts her writing. When she isn’t on her porch writing in the sun, you can find her shopping, at the beach, or at the gym. Follow her on Twitter and Facebook: @RachelleWilber.