The moments immediately following an accident can be chaotic and overwhelming. Sometimes after an accident, it seems like it was minor and that police are not necessary, and you don’t want to incur the expense or even embarrassment of taking an ambulance to the hospital.
However, your safety and well-being should be your main priority when you have been involved in an accident. Whether it’s a car accident, slip and fall, dog bite, or other incident, calling the police and an ambulance can be critical in getting you the assistance you need.
At a minimum, you should ALWAYS obtain the identifying information of anyone involved in an accident, including, names, identification, insurance information, license plates, and photographs. We always recommend calling the police to take an appropriate report after an accident, especially if an injury has occurred.
There are a few reasons to contact police. First, they are trained in investigating collisions and accidents, and the parties involved are much more likely to be forthright and informative when answering police officers’ questions.
Second, police often wear body worn cameras that record their interactions with the public, including the parties involved in an accident, and witnesses. This real time video is often very important and helpful in telling the story of what happened, and captures the witnesses’ and parties’ statements – those statements and recollections may change later, or fade after some time.
Third, it is good to have the police involved because the officers may become witnesses and after their investigation the officers may assign a primary fault for the accident that can assist you in proving your case.
If you’ve been injured at all in an accident, we advise using an ambulance to go to the local hospital for evaluation. Why? Because it is very common to experience shock, anxiety, and adrenaline after an accident which can mean that you do not notice or appreciate your injuries and symptoms right away.
For example, concussions are very common in accidents – even when there is no actual impact to your head. Still, it is very important to be evaluated by trained EMTs and hospital staff. Your injuries may be worse than you realize.
Typically the cost of an ambulance is covered by health insurance, and if you do not have health insurance, then these costs can be recovered as part of your injury claim.
On balance, we always recommend contacting police and using the services of an ambulance if you’ve been injured in an accident.
At Jassim Law, we understand that navigating the aftermath of an accident alone can be daunting and scary. By calling the police and an ambulance to the scene of the accident, you are also able to guarantee that there is an official record of the incident and that any injuries are documented to strengthen your legal case if you decide to pursue a personal injury claim.
If there is no police record, or ambulance record an insurance company or at fault party could later deny that there was an accident or incident altogether. That sounds outrageous, but we have seen that tactic before.
Our primary goal is to provide you with guidance and legal expertise every step of the way to ensure you are safe and your rights are being protected. When you act quickly by calling emergency services after an accident, you are not only ensuring you receive the medical attention you need but also setting the foundation to seek compensation for the damages you have sustained.
Why Calling Emergency Services Is Crucial
When accidents happen, they can turn your world upside down in a matter of seconds. Calling emergency services is crucial immediately after your accident as it can make a tremendous difference in your recovery as well as your ability to pursue legal action against the party responsible. Here is why you should never skip this vital step after your accident:
- Protects your health and well-being
- Creates an official record of the accident and documents any injuries you sustained
- Strengthens your legal claim by collecting valuable evidence
- Holds the liable parties accountable for their negligence
After you have contacted emergency services and are safe, you should contact a personal injury attorney to help you navigate the aftermath of your accident and fight for the compensation you deserve.
When to Call the Police
Regardless of injuries or property damage, you should always call the police at the scene of an accident. One of the primary reasons to call the police is to ensure there is an official record of the accident. A police report can serve as a critical piece of evidence in proving liability. Your police report will also include other relevant evidence, such as:
- The officer’s observations
- The date, time, and location of the accident
- The parties involved
- Witness statements
This unbiased report often becomes a key tool in strengthening your personal injury claim and maximizing the compensation you can be awarded. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you obtain this report from the police department.
When to Call an Ambulance
In addition to calling the police, calling an ambulance can ensure you receive necessary medical attention in a timely manner. Even if your injuries are minor or you don’t feel at immediate risk, some injuries, such as internal bleeding or concussion, might not present right away. By seeking immediate medical help, you are safeguarding your health and protecting yourself from potential future harm.
Calling an ambulance also creates a medical record of your injuries. This record is essential in proving the full extent of your injuries from the accident. Not only can this documentation help prove the economic damages you sustained, i.e., medical bills, lost wages, etc., but also your non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering. A personal injury attorney can help you understand these different types of damages and how they relate to your case to help you get the best possible outcome in your personal injury claim.
Partnering With Jassim Law After an Accident
At Jassim Law, we are committed to helping you through the challenging aftermath of an accident. From ensuring your injuries are properly documented by both the police and medical professionals to navigating the complexities of your personal injury claim, we are here to support you every step of the way. With years of experience and a proven track record of successful outcomes, we provide compassionate and effective representation for those injured through no fault of their own.
We understand the importance of swift action and thorough legal guidance in securing the compensation you deserve. If you’ve been injured in an accident, don’t hesitate to contact us for a consultation. Reach out today at (619) 630-2680 or through our contact form for personalized legal assistance.