A car crash can be traumatic since it impacts your life in several ways. While genuine accidents do occur, they are often caused by other people’s negligence. If you are injured as a result of someone’s recklessness, you deserve to get compensation for any damage or injury incurred. To get a fair settlement, there are certain steps you should take but always prioritize your health. Read on to learn the crucial things to do after getting injured in a car accident.
Secure the Scene
The first thing you should do is check your injuries and make sure everyone also involved in the accident is safe. Move the injured people to safety and secure the scene. Call an ambulance to attend to anyone in need of emergency care. Move your vehicle to safety if possible, so it does not obstruct the smooth flow of traffic. If the crash is severe and the cars cannot be moved, leave them on the road. Use reflective triangles or hazards to warn other motorists of impending danger.Â
Report the Accident
Even if you are not seriously injured, ensure you report the accident to the police. An officer will attend the scene where they will conduct investigations. It is essential to cooperate with law enforcement agents but never accept responsibility. Make sure you take the officer’s contact details and badge number. If police officers do not arrive at the scene and the accident happens in TX, you can file the car accident report yourself.
Get Medical Treatment
Once you are involved in an accident, make sure you get treatment, since certain injuries are not immediately apparent such as internal bleeding, concussion, or whiplash. Visit your doctor to get a medical examination and a report. A medical report is an official document meant to outline your injuries and determine the compensation you should get.Â
Seek Legal Advice
Dealing with the aftermath of an accident can be quite demanding, especially if you want to get a fair competition. When you are injured, you need time to recover, so it is a good idea to enlist the services of an experienced accident attorney. The legal experts at the Callahan law firm suggest that you seek legal advice that can help you make an informed decision and grant you some well-needed peace of mind. Your lawyer determines the merits of your case and helps prepare for legal action.Â
Insurance companies are in business, so they may not be willing to pay accident victims the compensation they deserve to protect their interests. The good thing about dealing with a lawyer is that they have experience in handling similar cases. Your attorney can also guide you in accessing proper medical care and conduct investigations to prove liability. Â
Document Everything
You should document everything at the accident scene if you are not seriously injured. Use your phone to capture images of your injuries, damaged vehicles, and anything that can support your claim. Get the other driver’s information like their name, address, phone number, insurance company, and vehicle details. You can also interview witnesses at the accident scene for further information. Remember to keep all details related to your medical expenses like receipts and travel costs.Â
Notify Your Insurance Company
You must contact your insurance company after the accident to provide details about what transpired. You can call them while still at the accident scene or when you get home. However, you should not talk to adjusters from the other driver’s insurance company since they may try to record a statement from you. Insurance companies can use this information against you, so you should refer them to your attorney.Â
File a Compensation Claim
When you have collected all the evidence you need, the next thing is to file a compensation claim, and you can do this through your lawyer. You can do this by sending a letter of demand clearly stating the reasons for the claim and the money you want as a settlement for the damages. Insurance companies can be tricky, and they may offer quick cash. You must not fall for this trap before completing your medical treatment.
Wait for your attorney to determine a fair settlement. However, remember you have limited time to file a lawsuit, so make sure you don’t miss the deadline. The statute of limitations gives you two years to file a lawsuit. Once you miss the deadline, you will lose your legal right to get the compensation you deserve.Â
A car accident can be life-changing and impact you in many ways. Dealing with a vehicle crash can be daunting, but there are different measures you can take to get justice. While there are several things you can do, make sure to enlist the services of an experienced lawyer to increase your chances of being fairly compensated.
