About 3 million people in the U.S. get injured in car accidents every year. After you’ve suffered an injury in a car crash, full recovery can take time—weeks, months, or even years. It all depends on the severity of the injury.
While you may not know how long your recovery process will be, there are things you can do immediately after you’ve been injured in a car accident to ensure you get timely compensation.
With proper compensation, your recovery will be less stressful. Although moments following a collision can be nerve-wracking, below are things you should do to help your car accident lawyer strengthen your personal injury claim.
Check for Injuries and Call 911
Right after the accident, you should check for any injuries you may have. Also, take note if you feel dizzy or any pain.
If you are physically able, look around for other people who may have injuries as well. Don’t try to move any unconscious victims since you may worsen their injuries.
Once you’ve checked everyone involved, call 911. Ensure you remain at the scene of the accident until an ambulance and a police officer arrive.
While you wait for emergency services to arrive, watch what you say at the scene. Avoid making any statements like, “I’m sorry” or “I didn’t see you.” It’s best to keep quiet.
The police will record details about the accident and write a report that’ll be valuable if you decide to file a claim with your insurers. You can obtain a copy of the report to help you make a successful claim.
Seek Immediate Medical Treatment
The next step you should take is to get medical attention. Your injuries can be severe and may worsen without immediate medical treatment. While some car crash injuries like bleeding cuts are obvious, others can be difficult to see.
This is why you should never refuse medical treatment at the scene. The shock and adrenaline rush after the accident may be masking symptoms of severe injuries like internal bleeding.
Tell emergency responders about every symptom you may experience, including blurry vision and a headache. If paramedics want to take you to the hospital, go with them.
In case you weren’t taken directly to the hospital from the scene, you must seek further medical attention, preferably on the same day. Getting medical treatment will also help you with your injury claim.
Gather Evidence to Support Your Injury Claim
Evidence is important if you want an auto injury lawyer to file a lawsuit. You should first get the ID and insurance information of the drivers involved in the accident.
You can also write down their full names, addresses, and cell phone numbers. If they don’t cooperate with you, you can make notes on their appearance, presumed age, and your impression of their behavior.
Use your phone to take photos and videos of the accident scene as it can be compelling evidence. They make it hard for people involved in the crash to change their stories later.
Photograph your injuries, the damage to the cars, skid marks, and other property damage. You can also take video footage of statements made by the other driver.
Additionally, you can talk to witnesses and find out if they saw anything that may help your claim. If they are cooperative, they can write down what they saw. You can also ask them to sign and date their statement and give you their contact information.
Injured in a Car Accident? Notify Your Insurance Company
Get in touch with your insurer as soon as you can and tell them about the accident. Some insurance companies have policies regarding the time taken before they were called. Ensure you adhere to the time frame unless you want your claim to be refuted.
There are several important reasons why you should contact your insurer, including:
- Depending on the insurance coverage, they can help you get immediate help with your medical bills and car repairs.
- If the other motorist has little or no insurance, you can file a claim for underinsured or uninsured driver coverage.
- Prompt notification to your insurer can help prevent fraudulent claims.
- Your insurance company can defend you against a lawsuit in case the other party hires an auto accident attorney and decide to file a claim against you
Do Not Speak With the Other Driver’s Insurer
The other driver’s insurance provider may try to get in touch with you. Don’t give them any recorded statements. They may try to use your statement against you to make you lose your case or pay less compensation. Ensure your lawyer handles all communications with the at-fault driver’s insurance company on your behalf.
If you want to handle your claim without an auto accident lawyer, wait until you’re fully recovered before discussing settlement. Handling the case while injured can be stressful and can affect your recovery.
Beware of the Statute of Limitations
Want to file a personal injury claim?
You have to do it before the deadline. Each state has a deadline known as the Statute of Limitations for taking legal action in a personal injury claim. The deadline period starts to run on the accident date.
If the statute runs out before you make your claim, you’ll lose the right to pursue any compensation. Make sure you take timely action to protect your claim.
Hire a Car Accident Lawyer
From filing a lawsuit before time runs out to dealing with insurers, an auto accident attorney can make pursuing your claim easy. They can also help you collect necessary documentation and create detailed but concise demands for claim settlement.
You should choose a lawyer that makes you feel comfortable and keeps you updated about any progress in the case. Some lawyers offer a free consultation.
It’s good to hire a lawyer so that they can handle the claim while you continue to recover. If you’re looking to file a personal injury claim, get in touch with the best lawyers for auto accident to work on your case.
Got Injured in a Car Accident? Get the Compensation You Deserve
From dealing with injuries to handling property damages, life, after you got injured in a car accident, can be tough. Having the right compensation can help ease the burden.
When you follow the aforementioned steps and get the help of the best auto accident lawyer, you’re guaranteed to get maximum compensation.
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