It is indeed true that it can be terrifying and disorienting to be in a car accident. With the injuries, the insurers, and the car’s wreckage, the whole experience can be stressful.
However, taking these measures after the accident will significantly impact your case when presenting it in court. These are the instructions on what to do before calling a car accident attorney.
- Ensure Safety and Medical Attention
Safety should always be your top priority, regardless of the circumstances surrounding the accident. You should move your vehicle out of the way of traffic and check for injuries if you are able to do so. Even if you feel fine, you might have sustained some injuries, such as whiplash or a concussion, which can cause problems later on, sometimes after a few hours or days.
When you are unable to handle this situation on your own, it is imperative that you contact emergency services and seek medical attention. Not only are medical records necessary for maintaining your health, but they are also necessary for ensuring that you receive the compensation that you require.
- Gather Evidence at the Scene
The more information you gather, the better your case will be. You will need to photograph the car’s damage, road conditions, and any noticeable injuries. Get the other party’s information. If you can, get their name and number and check out their licence number or insurance details.
If anyone saw the incident, please obtain their names and contact information. All of this information will help your lawyer better understand and support your version.
- Report the Incident Properly
While you may think that the damage is not that high and they should focus on the more significant issues, the official report is considered to be suitable evidence for both insurance claims and lawsuits.
Please reach out to your insurance agency as soon as possible. It is important to provide them with details about what happened, stick to the facts, and not speculate or acknowledge any guilt until you have discussed the matter with a lawyer.
- Keep All DocumentationOrganised
Good documentation will help your lawyer and make your claim more persuasive. You must have all receipts, medical bills, pictures, and correspondence and place them into a physical or digital folder. You also want all those repair estimates and proof of lost income from the accident in that same folder.
A good car accident claim lawyer will require all the details to be able to calculate an appropriate compensation. Readiness gets it done earlier and takes all of the most important things into account.
- Avoid Quick Settlements or Unverified Advice
While tempting, an insurance company may try to entice you with a quick settlement that fails to include all your long-term expenses. Always consult before signing. A lawyer can determine if it’s a good deal and also review the payment to make sure it covers all costs.
And, of course, don’t mention anything about the accident on social media. Things can be read a different way and used against you.
Be Prepared Before You Call
Regardless, when meeting with an attorney after being injured in a car accident, you shouldn’t be impulsive. Protecting your rights is crucial.
Once you have all the evidence you believe you need, get a smart lawyer and let him handle the details, wrangle with insurance companies, and advocate for what is fair. Being very well prepared for the unexpected can help make a traumatic, disorganised incident much more manageable and allow you to concentrate on getting better as soon as you can.
