If you have been injured in an accident, you may be interested to know that you are not alone. Every year, millions of people get injured in car accidents alone. Unfortunately, in many cases, the injuries are extensive and may need lengthy and expensive medical treatments.
As if dealing with the injuries was not enough, you also have to deal with your insurance company and hope that you are offered a settlement amount that will cover the long list of medical expenses you seem to be accumulating. What you may not be aware of is that most insurance companies tend to offer low settlements that are far from what the injured party really needs. To fight the possibility of getting an unfairly low offer, it is important to get legal help and understand the steps that this process will require.
To increase your odds, here are five steps to take after you have been injured:
Receive Medical Attention
As soon as possible after the accident, seek medical attention. You need to determine the extent of your injuries and the treatment that they will need. Also, some injuries may be internal, and you may have no way of knowing that they are there without consulting a doctor. And if you are considering filing a claim, you should see a doctor right away.
Call the Police
It is crucial for police to get to the scene of the accident and issue a report. Not only will having a police report help you when filing a claim, but it is important to do this since most police departments only give you 72 hours to report the accident.
Gather Evidence
Document everything you can at the scene. Take pictures of every aspect of the accident site, of the cars and the way they were positioned and damaged, of road and traffic signs if there are any, and of anything else that might have contributed to the accident such as oil on the road or low-hanging branches.
If there are witnesses, get their information and testimonies. They may prove useful if you need to file a claim. Also, keep a detailed file of your medical expenses.
Contact Your Insurance Provider
There is likely a period of time within which your insurance provider expects to hear from you after an accident. Not calling them within that period may result in a denied claim. Do not make any statements either to your insurance or that of the other party regarding fault and don't accept any payment until you have had a chance to talk to an attorney.
Seek Legal Help
Dealing with your injuries while trying to provide evidence of the accident to your insurance might be too much to handle. Having an experienced accident attorney by your side will help ease this burden. During your consultation, your lawyer will listen to you and get the evidence you have gathered. They will then conduct their own research and collect any necessary documentation.
Maho, Prentice LLP recommends you contact an accident lawyer as soon as possible to give them enough time to build your case. Let them take care of the legal aspects of dealing with your insurance while you concentrate on taking care of your injuries and recovering your health.
