According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there are more than 6 million car accidents in the United States annually. That’s about one every 10 seconds. And while most of those accidents are minor fender-benders, they can still cause emotional, physical, and financial damage.
Even if you’re usually a very safe driver, you can’t always control what other drivers do. A distracted second could result in a severe accident. It will be necessary to stay calm during this situation, especially if you want to ensure you have a strong case against the other driver. Here are a few steps to consider when you get involved in that traumatic situation.
Seek Medical Attention
There is nothing more vital in a car accident than getting medical attention. Everything else does not matter if you or someone in your vehicle is seriously injured. Your health and wellbeing should always be the number one priority. Even if you don’t feel like you need to go to the hospital, it’s still a good idea to seek medical attention.
Some injuries might not be immediately apparent but could become more severe over time. For example, you may have whiplash but not realize it until days or weeks later. By getting checked out by a medical professional, you’ll better understand your injuries and can start treatment sooner.
If possible, try to see a doctor specializing in car accident injuries. They will be more familiar with the types of damages and how to treat them properly. However, it can be challenging to ignore the costs associated with medical care. It will be necessary to factor in these expenses when negotiating your settlement.
Get the Police Involved
Even if there are no severe injuries, you should still contact the police after an accident. They will create an official report of the incident that can be used as evidence later on. The police report will also include information about the other driver, such as their insurance policy and contact information.
If the police cannot come to the scene of the accident, you can still file a report at your local precinct. Make sure to do this within 24 hours of the accident so that all the details are fresh in your mind.
It will also be necessary to collect as much evidence as possible to support your case. This could include taking photos of the damage, getting the contact information of any witnesses, and recording your account of what happened.
Be Prepared to Negotiate With the Insurance Company
After you’ve taken care of your injuries and filed a police report, it will be time to start dealing with the insurance company. If the other driver was at fault, their insurance company should cover the damages. However, insurance companies are notorious for lowballing victims or outright denying their claims.
This is why it’s essential to have an experienced car accident lawyer on your side. They will deal with the insurance adjusters and ensure you get the compensation you deserve. Your lawyer will also help you understand the different types of damages that you can recover, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Seek Legal Counsel
If you’ve been in a car accident, the best thing you can do is seek legal counsel as soon as possible. An experienced car accident lawyer will guide you through every step of the process and ensure you get the compensation you’re entitled to for the accident. They will also help you understand the different types of damages that you can recover and how to deal with the insurance company.
If the other party is at fault, their insurance company should cover the damages. However, insurance companies are notorious for lowballing victims or outright denying their claims. This situation is why it’s essential to have an experienced car accident lawyer on your side.
Your lawyer will help you understand the different types of damages that you can recover, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. They will also deal with the insurance adjusters and ensure you get the compensation you deserve. The accident might also cause trauma, especially when you underwent life-threatening or life-altering situations with medical procedures and surgery. The lawyer will ensure you get the compensation you need to help you recover mentally.
Don’t try to go through this process alone; let an experienced professional help you get the justice you deserve.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been in a car accident, taking the necessary steps to protect your rights is essential. This includes seeing a medical professional, getting the police involved, and collecting evidence. It’s also crucial to seek legal counsel to navigate the insurance claims process and get the compensation you deserve. It might be a challenging time, but you can make it past this with the right help on your side.
