Call the police
Do not leave the scene of your accident. The authorities should be notified so an official police report can be filled out, properly documenting your accident. In addition, medical staff should be on site to evaluate you and offer treatment if necessary. Both of these things are important for insurance companies to have on file, showing that the damage, cause, time, and extent of your injury is not being exaggerated by you. Police can also interview and record official statements from witnesses, which may be vital to your case.
Record evidence
Evidence builds strong legal cases. Take pictures, exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver, and obtain witness statements and contact information. Damage to vehicles should be photographed with timestamps if possible. The same is true for other accident-related evidence, including skid marks on the road, patches of ice and anything else that could have contributed to your crash.
Call your insurance company
You need to report your accident to your insurance company in a timely fashion. Be sure to keep your comments brief. Remember, insurance companies do not always act in your best interest. What you say may be used against you in order to try to minimize the money you receive for your claim.
Seek medical attention
It is vital that you do not delay seeing a doctor or visiting a hospital after your accident. Even if you feel fine, internal injuries can take days or even a week to properly show themselves, and the damage may be extensive. Remember that internal bleeding, musculoskeletal injuries, and even concussions do not always make themselves known right away. If you delay seeing a medical professional, or do not see one at all, your insurance company might try to downplay your injuries and deny your claim.
Contact an attorney
Don't delay. It's important you have an attorney handling your car accident case. You've been hit, possibly injured, and will likely need to be compensated financially for your accident. Don't simply assume that insurance companies will automatically pay you. In most cases, you will likely need to demand compensation for medical bills, lost wages, damage to your vehicle and any other accident-related expenses.
We believe in building strong cases and being thoroughly prepared. That’s why our legal team investigates your accident to get the facts. This involves gathering evidence, carefully reviewing accident reports and other documentation, and interviewing witnesses. If needed, we consult accident reconstruction experts and other specialists.
Our lawyers are very familiar with the tactics used by insurance companies. We fight back against any attempts to minimize your injuries or place blame for the crash on you. When presented with a strong case built on facts, insurance companies often agree to talk about a settlement that works for you.
Any resolution of your case has to be one that meets your needs. We’re not interested in making quick deals that help the insurance company save money. If they are not willing to negotiate a fair settlement, we will be ready to fight for you in court. Our lawyers are experienced litigators who know how to win.
It’s important to get trusted legal advice as soon as possible following your car accident. Though the statute of limitations for taking legal action is generally three years from the date of your accident, delays can hurt your case long before then. Over time, witnesses forget important details and valuable evidence can be lost or destroyed.
You need proper representation from a lawyer who can fight for the compensation you deserve. Talk to us. We listen and will put your needs first. Contact us today.
