PERSONAL INJURY PRACTICE
When a car accident causes personal injury, it can be incredibly difficult to do things that used to be routine - to drive, to take care of your children, to earn a living, or to pay the bills. While you are trying to get medical care, you and your family are likely getting the runaround from the other party's insurance adjuster: they don’t return your calls; they delay paying what they owe for weeks or months; they lie to you about your rights; they make insulting offers that won’t even pay a fraction of your medical bills.
We are here to help you. If you do not need a car accident lawyer, we'll tell you. If you do need an accident lawyer, we do not get paid on your case until your recover a settlement. We'll deal with the insurance company. We'll figure out what compensation is fair, and we'll make sure you get it if the insurance company does not pay you the compensation to which you are entitled.
To maximize your potential compensation in the unfortunate case of injury, we have prepared a list of steps to on what to do after the car accident.
What to do after car accidents
Report to the Police
First, call the police. A police report documents the accident and will be available to you as evidence should you need to file a future claim. Thus, you should ensure that the police report is as accurate as possible and reflects your recollection of the events leading up to your automobile accident. It is imperative that you provide your side of the story on police reports.
Take Photos/Notes of the Accident Scene
If you have a camera and are not injured, try to photograph the accident scene prior to moving the automobile (only if safe to do so). Additionally, someone should take note of the existing weather condition and interview all of the witnesses to the automobile accident and record their comments. Such interviews should be completed as soon as possible after the accident, as witnesses' memories tend to fade with time.
Seek Medical Attention
If you have been seriously injured in an automobile accident, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. After all, the most important thing is to ensure that your injuries are treated and that you get better. Nothing is more important than your health. Moreover, if treatment is delayed, the defendant may argue that it was not his negligent driving that caused your injury, but rather something that occurred between the time of the automobile accident and your visit to the doctor. Going to the hospital ensures that your injuries are documented.
Contact an Attorney
Always consult with an attorney before giving information to your insurance company or an outside insurance agency. Insurance carriers often seek to limit or deny your claims immediately after an accident if they discover that you are without legal representation. In contrast, an experienced attorney can protect your rights, appropriately value your claims, and secure your compensation by aggressively negotiating against the insurance adjuster.