Steps to Follow After an Automobile Accident
Michael Babboni
Car Accidents
So, you have been involved in a car accident and suffered damage to your vehicle as well as injuries. You called the police to come out and file a police report and you have been treated for your injuries following your accident. What’s left to do?If there has been substantial damage to your vehicle and you have suffered injuries yourself because of an accident, then you may be entitled to compensation. However, it is important to follow these steps in order to gain the most out of your claim.
Step One: Call the police immediately following the accident. You will want to remain at the scene and check on all drivers and passengers that were involved to make sure that everyone is okay. If you suffered any injuries, you should immediately report them and allow the medical professionals to treat you.
Step Two: Gather all necessary information including the name and insurance information for the other driver, obtain a copy of the police report, hold on to all your medical records as a result of the accident, take photographs of the cars involved as well as the scene in which the accident took place.
Step Three: Call a personal injury attorney to discuss your case and help you file your claim with the insurance company.
After your accident, you should be sure to see your doctor within seventy-two hours. Any delay in treatment could result in a lessened settlement amount. These steps should be followed whether or not the accident is your fault or the fault of someone else.
You should always call your insurance company as well as contacting the insurance company of the other driver just in case they haven’t made the claim themselves. Refrain from discussing any details of the accident with anyone until you have first spoken to your attorney. The insurance company is rarely on your side and will want to do what they can to be able to pay the least amount as possible for the claim.
The personal injury attorney will work to collect all the documentation that is needed, can relay the details of the accident, provide the proof of the damage and injuries, and will be the middleman between you and the insurance company.
Attorneys are well aware of the tactics insurance companies use to try and get out of paying for claims, so they will know the steps that need to be taken to ensure that you are treated fairly and are compensated for the damages.
Personal Injury Attorney
Hiring a personal injury attorney can help eliminate any costly mistakes that can happen during the process. There are time restraints and statutes of limitations that differ from state to state and the attorney will be able to ensure that you comply by all the deadlines.
The sooner you contact an attorney, the sooner you will be on the right path of settling your claim.
Before hiring an attorney, be sure that they are experienced and knowledgeable when it comes to your specific case type. You will want to be sure they have extensive knowledge of the laws and regulations of your state and you will then want to see if they offer their services on a contingency basis. If they do, then you will know they will be motivated even more to help you win your case.
Before speaking to your attorney, gather all the relevant information and details you need regarding the accident, so they can provide you with a better picture of what to expect as you proceed.