In 2021 alone, there were 5.4 million consulted injuries related to motor vehicle accidents, as reported by the National Safety Council. Damages resulting from these crashes include medical expenses, property damage, and lost wages.
If you become the unfortunate victim of a car accident (here’s hoping you won’t be), you will need money to cover the piling medical bills and to repair or replace the damaged vehicle. But depending on the severity of your injuries, it may be a while before you can return to work. Furthermore, insurance companies may be reluctant to offer fair compensation following an accident.
You can, however, maximise the compensation you receive by working with a car accident law firm that is experienced in similar cases. With the help of an experienced attorney, you can pursue and receive fair compensation. The attorney will conduct a thorough investigation to establish the facts of your accidents, compile evidence of your losses, and work with doctors and other experts. Here is what you should do.
What to do after a car accident
1. Seek medical help
Even the most careful driver out there is still not completely immune from a car accident. That said, if you’re in a similar situation, always seek medical help first. Go to the emergency room or a trauma center right after your accident. Seek medical attention even if you don’t feel injured or your injuries don’t feel as severe, as hidden injuries are common in car accidents.
When filing a claim, you need to prove that the crash caused your injuries. Medical records will tie your injuries and condition to the car accident.
2. Get contact information at the accident scene
Get the contact details of other drivers and any other witnesses. Your attorney must speak to these witnesses, as their information will be critical in building your case and securing fair compensation.
Get full names and any contact information, including phone numbers, email addresses, and even physical addresses. If a witness will let you, it’s even better if you can take a picture of their driver’s license.
3. Record details of the accident
Write down what you can remember about the accident as soon as possible. The sooner you can do it, the better because you don’t want any details lost in memory. Take as many pictures as possible at the accident scene and document everything.
Note down the lane you were on and where on the road the crash occurred. What, if any, defects did you notice on the road? What were the positions of the vehicles before, during, and after the accident? Were there traffic signs nearby, and what did the signs say? What was the weather like? What actions did you take to avoid the accident?
4. Fully value your claim
Take your damaged car to an auto shop and get estimates of how much repairs would cost. Find out how much your car is worth if it gets totalled in the accident. If the car is still under lease, get documentation to show how much you need to pay it off. Also, get a full medical assessment. Understand the short- and long-term implications of your injuries.
There are various categories of damages for which you can claim. An experienced attorney will help you evaluate and value each category accordingly, including future damages. By valuing your claim, you know what amount would meet the threshold for fair compensation and can avoid getting shortchanged.
5. Don’t be too eager
Be ready to go the distance to receive fair compensation. You may even be tempted to take the first offer you receive but be patient. Your attorney will provide expert opinion on when to decline and accept a settlement offer.
With the backing of documentation, explain to the other side why you aren’t willing to accept the offer given. Rejecting a settlement offer only shows your commitment to getting the compensation you deserve and your confidence in the strengths of your case.
Your attorney can convince the other side of the merits of your case and hopefully get them back to the negotiating table. Your attorney can move the matter to court if you cannot negotiate fair compensation.
6. Stay quiet
You may ruin your chances of receiving maximum compensation if you claim devastating injuries in your filed claim, but your social media updates show the contrary. You also don’t want to speak to anyone else except your attorney. What you say and do can and will be used against you, so it’s best to leave all the talking to your attorney.
Get the compensation you deserve
Have questions for a car accident attorney? Schedule a consultation today, and get the expert help you need to secure fair compensation for damages related to your car accident.
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