There are hundreds of thousands of car accidents every year, tens of thousands of which result in serious injury or even death. The numbers are epidemic and if you find yourself in this situation, where you’re injured due to the irresponsibility of another driver, you deserve to get compensated for the damages you’ve suffered.
However, to do that you will need to prove negligence on the part of the other driver, and get the right help. Learn the core of what you need to know if you’re facing the possibility of car accident injury claims, and how a car accident attorney can be of help in your case.
While You’re at the Scene
Before you even leave the scene of the accident, the first thing you need to do is check on the safety and health of anyone involved, and call first responders for help if anyone needs medical attention. Even if nobody seems hurt, having police come can be helpful down the road as they’ll have to take a report which you can use later.
Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver, even if you don’t think you’ll need it. Get their vehicle’s license plate number, driver’s license number, insurance policy information, name, address and phone number or email. Speak to any witnesses and get their contact information as well, if they’re willing to give it.
Take photos of every angle and area of the scene you can think of. The more photos you can get, the better you are. Finally, never, ever apologize for anything or make any statements about the incident which could later be twisted to make you look responsible.
See a Doctor
Even if you don’t feel hurt, you should seek medical attention. Many people due to adrenaline don’t feel hurt at the accident but discover injuries a few days later. The sooner you’re seen by a doctor, the better your case will be when it comes time to argue for your injuries.
Your Insurance Company
Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. Be very clear, honest and concise about the circumstances of the incident. Don’t embellish, and don’t leave anything out.
Their Insurance Company
Their insurance company might contact you to ask you for details, to make an offer of settlement or to “clarify” some aspect of the accident or another. You are best not to volunteer any information to them, and absolutely do not sign anything they put in front of you without legal counsel. Their goal is to pay you as little as possible (nothing at all if they can) and every step they take will be towards that end, no matter how polite they seem.
Attorneys and Car Accident Injury Claims
One of the most important steps you can take if you’re hurt in an accident is to secure the services of an injury attorney who can handle your car accident injury claims. The right lawyer can fight for your rights, challenge the insurance company’s claims and non-payment efforts, and get you the compensation you deserve.
If you’d like to talk more about an accident you’ve had recently, contact our car accident attorneys at Stewart Bell, PLLC for a free evaluation of your case today.
