In a car accident, you must take steps to protect yourself. This includes seeking medical attention and obtaining vital information for a potential lawsuit.
Having an experienced car accident lawyer by your side will increase your chances of recovering compensation. An attorney can also protect you against insurance companies trying to diminish or deny a valid claim. Contact Bristol Auto Accident Lawyer now!
It is important to prioritize your health after a car accident, and seeking medical attention is one of the first steps in that process. Prompt medical care can help ensure that any underlying injuries, such as internal bleeding or fractures, are properly diagnosed and treated before they become more serious. It can also confirm whether or not you have sustained any injuries that are not immediately apparent, such as concussions and traumatic brain injury. Lastly, it creates an official medical record of your injuries, which is a vital piece of evidence when making an insurance claim or filing a lawsuit against the party responsible for the accident.
Unfortunately, the flurry of emotions and paperwork that follow a car accident can cause people to neglect their health in the name of getting back on their feet. This can have catastrophic consequences. In addition to the physical harm resulting from an untreated or under-treated injury, delayed medical treatment can worsen mental health issues like anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which often manifest as symptoms such as nightmares, flashbacks, avoidance behaviors, and mood swings.
In some cases, the delay in receiving medical attention can be used against an accident victim. The insurance company or the party at fault may argue that your injuries are not as severe or they are unrelated to the accident if you did not receive immediate treatment. This can reduce your chances of obtaining fair compensation for your losses.
The other reason why you should seek prompt medical attention is that the documentation will help establish a direct link between your accident and your injuries. This can be difficult to do without the proper documentation. Medical records and bills are essential pieces of evidence in personal injury claims, but requesting them from health care providers isn’t always an easy process. They are often reluctant to provide copies to patients and their attorneys, especially if the case is still under consideration. An experienced car accident attorney will be able to secure the necessary documentation on your behalf. They will review medical records and all relevant documents pertaining to your accident, including any related expenses, to build a strong case that maximizes your compensation.
Call the Police
It is important that you call the police when a car accident occurs, even if your injuries are minor. The presence of law enforcement officers at the scene can help keep the situation calm and prevent a dispute from arising between the parties involved. Additionally, the officers will be able to direct traffic and gather essential information that can be used to create an official accident report. These reports are powerful pieces of evidence that can be used to prove your case in a future lawsuit against the at-fault party.
Having an official police document can also be critical in your monetary recovery. In many cases, insurance companies will only accept a claim if it is backed up by an official report. This can make the difference in a case where the other party decides to change their story or deny responsibility after an accident has occurred.
When you call the police, they will be able to record statements from all witnesses and provide their own observations of how the accident occurred. The police will then compile an official accident report which documents how the crash occurred and which parties were responsible for it.
While you are waiting for the police to arrive, be sure that you or the other drivers exchange names, addresses, telephone numbers, and driver’s license information. You should also get the name of the insurance company and policy number covering each vehicle involved in the accident. It is a good idea to get pictures of the accident scene and the damage to each car. Whether you are using a camera or your cellphone, take photos of the scene, your personal injuries, and the damages to each car.
It is important that you stay at the scene of an accident until law enforcement officials arrive. Doing so can help ensure that no one leaves the scene without being caught, which could impact your monetary recovery in the future. Also, it is best to avoid admitting fault to the other parties or making any statements that could be used against you in a lawsuit.
Gather Information
The scene of a car accident is usually fraught with confusion and chaos, but it is important to begin gathering evidence as soon as possible. This is especially important when it comes to supporting legal and insurance claims. Effective evidence collection can significantly influence the outcome of these processes, ensuring that victims receive adequate compensation and that their version of events is accurately represented.
Aside from a police report, which is essential for any case, victims should collect the following evidence:
Witness Statements: Obtain names, contact information, and brief statements from witnesses that saw the accident occur. These accounts can provide an objective perspective on the incident and are crucial in determining fault. Photographs: Photographs of the accident scene can help establish liability by providing a visual representation of how the accident occurred. Damage to vehicles and skid marks can also prove valuable.
Cell Phone / Texting Records: The contents of an individual’s cellphone can provide valuable insight into their driving behavior prior to and after the crash. For example, if they were using their phone to text or send social media messages at the time of the accident, this may indicate distracted driving. Drug and Alcohol Test Results: These can help establish whether or not a driver was under the influence at the time of the accident. GPS Data: This can help determine the driver’s location and speed at the time of the accident.
Accurate Claim Valuation: Experienced car accident attorneys know how to thoroughly evaluate a claim and determine its total value, including medical expenses, lost wages, future costs, and pain and suffering. They are skilled in countering the tactics insurers often use to undervalue or deny claims.
Depending on the circumstances of a case, settlement negotiation can be a viable option for victims. However, if an insurer fails to adequately compensate victims within a reasonable period, it may be necessary to take the matter to trial. An experienced car accident attorney will have extensive experience in litigating these types of cases, and they will be able to leverage their skills to secure a favorable outcome.
Contact an Attorney
While it might not be the first thing on your mind in the aftermath of a car accident, consulting an attorney is vital for building a strong case and ensuring you receive adequate compensation. A lawyer will handle the insurance companies on your behalf and ensure all aspects of your claim are taken into consideration. They will also help you avoid common pitfalls such as missing the statute of limitations.
When choosing an attorney, you should consider the attorney’s experience and track record in dealing with car accidents. In addition, you should make sure the attorney is available to speak with you directly and will answer your questions promptly. You should also interview multiple attorneys to see who is the best fit for your situation and budget.
During your consultation, the attorney should listen to you while you explain how the accident occurred and the injuries you suffered. The attorney should also ask you to bring any important documentation related to the accident. This includes any paperwork from your insurance provider and a copy of the police report.
After assessing the evidence, your attorney will provide you with a detailed account of what happened and how it affected you. This includes your medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. The attorney will use this information to determine the appropriate financial compensation you should receive.
If you are unable to obtain the compensation you need from the insurance company, your attorney will file charges against the negligent party in court. They will prepare your case and present all the necessary evidence to a jury, convincing them that you deserve ample compensation.
The insurance providers are looking out for their own profits and will often try to take advantage of unrepresented victims. Your attorney will prevent this from happening by barring adjusters from enticing you with low settlement offers.
Although no dollar amount can replace the physical and emotional turmoil you experienced, a financial compensation can help ease some of your burdens. During your consultation, your attorney will review the cost of all your losses, including future medical expenses and the loss of enjoyment of life due to the injury.