According to Consumer Shield, there were over 6.14 million car crashes in the United States for the year 2023. This gives you a rough idea of how frequently traffic accidents occur across the country.
It’s necessary to be knowledgeable of your rights if you are involved in a car accident. Always put safety first when you’re driving. You need to do a few more things to protect your interests. Some of these requirements include documenting the scene, collecting information from witnesses, and other related tasks.
According to a personal injury attorney from the Schwalben Law Firm, to win a car accident case, you need to do a lot of research and clearly understand the medical issues at stake. You also need to find ways to get compensated, like the insurance policy of the driver who caused the accident.
Grasping the importance of these steps can really weigh heavily in your case. Here are the 7 steps you should undertake to preserve your rights following a car accident.
Check the passengers for injuries. Medical assistance should be called immediately in case of an injury. Don’t wait to get medical help for yourself, no matter how good you feel. You need to be extra careful since some symptoms can be underlying and might not show up right away.
Try to remain in your place to avoid straining yourself. Moving around too much could make your injuries worse. If you can, move the car off the road to avoid another accident. Turn on your hazard lights so that other people will know what’s going on.
Remain there until the police arrive. Answer their questions once they arrive at the accident scene. According to car accident lawyer Harold L. Rosnick, getting correct information from reliable sources is important. If you go ahead with false information, you could lose out on your compensation.
You might have an easier time getting better once you take precautions to protect your health and safety.
Document the Accident Scene
Once you’re safe, documenting the accident scene should be promptly done to protect your rights.
Start taking photographs of the vehicle involved in the accident. Take pictures of the damages on the cars. Capturing the surroundings and showing important details like street signs, traffic signals, and the condition of the roads can sometimes help establish fault.
Record the time and weather. Take notes about what you saw happen in the accident on your phone or in a notepad. Make a note of the location and any other important or unique information.
When dealing with insurance companies and courts, careful record-keeping will be helpful. It would be easier for you to speak up for your rights if you had organized your documentation.
Gather Witness Information
Besides offering proper documentation of the accident scene, witness statements can also strengthen your case. Try to talk to anybody who witnessed the accident.
Get the names, telephone numbers, and addresses of the witnesses. If the opportunity presents itself, have them narrate their version of events concerning their observation. It can be important to prove fault or support your claims.
You should deal with witness accounts quickly while their recollections are still fresh. Ask them to provide a written statement. Find out if they would be willing to support you again in the future.
The quality of the testimonials you get can enhance your case and get you fair compensation.
Notify Law Enforcement
Be quick to inform law authorities if you are involved in a car accident. The emergency call activates an official report, and this report could be critical to your case.
Officers will examine the scene upon arrival, gather information from the involved parties, and prepare the report. This report will bring testimony as to who was at fault and help safeguard your interests at a later point.
Provide accurate information regarding the accident or any injuries, if possible, and also take some quick photographs of the scene as a complement to the report.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Calling an insurance company after an accident should be a top priority. Reporting the accident as fast as possible will uphold your rights.
Provide as many details as you can to the insurance company. You can give valuable context about the incident by telling the circumstances that led to the accident. Be honest with them and tell them everything. Inaccuracies in your narrative could hurt your claim.
If an adjuster is assigned, cooperate fully during the possible investigations. They will appraise damages and lay down the options relating to your claim.
Inquire about your policy and any deductions, as these factors could also affect your insurance premiums.
Calling your insurance company as soon as possible will aid you in filing a claim. The step will help you refocus on your recovery.
Keep Records of Medical Treatment
You can protect your rights after a car accident by keeping detailed records of your medical treatment. Record all of your hospital visits related to the accident. For each of your record entries, indicate the date and time of the visit, along with the exact nature of the treatment received.
Keep all bills and prescriptions, test results, and other medical documents. It is necessary for billing purposes and as evidence of your injuries and expenses. Take notes of every discussion you have with the medical personnel concerning your condition and prognosis.
Track the progress of your recovery, including the symptoms and stigmas you face. Having thorough documentation will work greatly to your advantage when you seek compensation later.
Consult With a Personal Injury Attorney
You should talk to a personal injury lawyer if you want to have a clearer idea of your legal alternatives.
If you choose a qualified personal injury lawyer, they will help you get through the worst parts of your case. The lawyer will look at your case, go over the facts, and make a full list of all the damages you can claim.
They will talk to your insurance company for you so that you don’t have to settle for less than what you’re worth. Do not wait too long before reaching out to these professionals, as the time to file can be very restrictive.
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