5 Steps to Take After Getting in a Car Accident
If you’re involved in a car accident, you may be too upset to think about what you need to do to further protect yourself. Therefore, it helps to review the protocol you should follow – just in case you’re involved in a wreck.
How Can a Personal Injury Lawyer Near Me Help?
You may need to speak to a personal injury lawyer even if you’ve only been involved in a minor fender-bender. That’s because some of the injuries people sustain have a delayed reaction. This can lead to a great deal of pain and suffering – the type of impairment that is not adequately covered by regular insurance coverage.
So, if you’re asking, “How can a personal injury lawyer near me help?” The following information will give you what you need to know to get a just settlement.
1. File a Report with the Police
Even if the accident is minor, you still need to file a police report. This must be done so you have a record of what occurred. Don’t allow the other party to leave the scene without getting their name and address and insurance information.
Like you, they should wait on the police so you can give your accounts of the mishap. You might also ask for the names and addresses of bystanders who witnessed the event.
2. Take Pictures of the Accident Scene and Related Damages and Injuries
If you have your smartphone handy, take pictures of the accident scene. If you don’t feel up to it, see if you can get a friend or bystander to help. Pictures prove to be valuable if you have any future disputes about what occurred.
You should also take pictures of the damages to your car as well as have someone take pictures of your injuries, if obvious.
3. Visit a Doctor or an Urgent Care Center Even if You Feel Fine
Always visit a doctor the day of the crash or as soon as possible. Even if you don’t feel like you were injured, some injuries, such as whiplash, emerge at a later time. If you don’t get checked, it can lead to complications in case you need to file a personal injury lawsuit.
For example, if you don’t get treated or checked immediately, it can raise questions about the seriousness of your injuries. So, even if you believe you’re fine, you need to see a doctor to remove any doubts about future injuries.
4. Gather the Evidence
Again, to prove or support a claim, you need to have evidence. This evidence includes your medical records, pictures, witness accounts, the police report, quotes for repairs to your car, and similar substantiating data. Gather this information into a file so you can refer to it and share it with legal counsel.
5. Call a Personal Injury Attorney Before You Speak to the Insurance Company
Insurance companies are in the business to make money, not to pay insurance claims. Therefore, before you discuss anything with your insurance company or the other party’s insurer, talk to an attorney first. He or she can provide the counsel and support needed to ensure that you’re treated fairly.
Stay Focused on Receiving a Fair Settlement
Use the services of a personal injury attorney to receive what you deserve to pay for the injuries or damages sustained after an auto mishap. He or she can give you the leverage you need to show a court what you’re entitled to and what is owed.