Were You Injured in a Car Accident? Follow These 5 Steps

woman calls service standing by red car Were You Injured in a Car Accident? Follow These 5 Steps

If you have suffered injuries in a car collision, you are entitled to compensation. By contacting a personal injury attorney, you can recover the payment for your losses while holding the negligent party responsible for their action. 

Skilled and experienced auto accident lawyers handle injury accident cases effectively and fight to bring you the true value of your car crash claim. 

There are certain essential steps you must take following the accident that will determine the strength of your case and ensure that you put forth a solid claim. 

1. Call The Police

Contacting the police is an essential aspect of a car accident claim when injury or property damage is involved. The officers on scene will record statements of drivers and witnesses and compile an accident report based on their investigations which will serve as evidence in determining fault. 

If you were not present at the scene when the police arrived, make sure to obtain a copy of the police report to verify the information and provide any additional details you deem fit. 

2. Seek Prompt Medical Treatment

If you are hurt, immediately call 911 or ask for help from someone around. But even if you are not in pain or believed to have survived the accident with a minor cut or bruise, you must visit a doctor for a complete health evaluation. 

The endorphin and adrenaline rush can mask the initial symptoms of some injuries like internal bleeding, whiplash, etc. Symptoms can appear several days later following the accident. 

Waiting too long to receive medical attention risks you not receiving the full compensation. 

Your insurance company can downplay your injuries by arguing that those injuries are unrelated to the accident and were a result of some other incident since you did not seek medical care after the collision. 

3. Collect Evidence

Considering you are not seriously hurt, take pictures with your cell phone of your injuries, the cars involved, and other elements you think can help prove your case and serve as viable evidence. That could include tire marks, debris, property damage, road conditions, etc.

Talk to witnesses who were present at the time of the crash and record their statements. Exchange contact information with them so they can testify in favor of you. 

Check for any CCTV cameras around the vicinity and obtain footage, as it can help determine how the crash occurred and the responsible party.

Lastly, ask the police officers for a copy of the accident report to provide to your insurer. 

4. Exchange Information

Exchanging information with the other driver is a requirement under the law for many states. Trade details, including names, addresses, contact numbers, driver’s license numbers, insurance company name and policy number, and car details.

It is important to keep your conversation limited during this time. Do not go into the details of the accident, and avoid admitting fault, as doing so could impact your claim. 

5. Contact A Lawyer

Retaining an experienced and knowledgeable car accident lawyer to represent you is indispensable to building a successful claim. Your lawyer will negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance company and can file a lawsuit or take your case to trial to ensure you receive the maximum compensation amount. 

Their legal guidance will prevent you from committing costly blunders that could devalue your claim, like giving statements to insurance companies. Also, you must know that insurance companies attempt to pay the minimum amount possible as they are businesses with profits as their ultimate motive.

It is vital to contact an attorney within a reasonable period. Many states set a statute of limitations by which you must file a lawsuit, and missing that deadline could deprive you of claiming damages entirely.

Final Words

Being injured in a car accident is a traumatic life event that can have long-lasting effects on your physical, emotional, and psychological well-being for a long time. 

A little bit of preparation beforehand by knowing what steps to take after the collision can go a long way in reducing the effects of the crash on your health and finances!



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