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Even though it may not feel like it, you are lucky for surviving a car accident. After all, they are one of the leading causes of death in America. So, what do you do now that you’ve survived? Even though the worst is over, you’re still entitled to damages if you weren’t the one who caused the crash. Here are the things you need to do.
Hire A Lawyer
It’s absolutely essential that you have legal representation after such a traumatic incident. You may be wondering how an attorney can help with your car accident claim and the answer is “in many ways”. A lawyer will be your guide throughout the entire aftermath process.
Lawyers will help prepare all the documents and will advise you on how to maximize your legal protections after a car crash. They can also help you deal with insurance companies, negotiate settlements and represent you in court if necessary. It’s important to remember that hiring a lawyer doesn’t mean that you are filing a lawsuit.
Seek Medical Attention
Your own personal well-being must be put first, so make sure you get the paramedics out there as soon as you’re able to. Attending to your injuries quickly is the best way to minimize damage and start your path to healing. Even if you don’t feel hurt right away, seeking medical attention after a car crash is important as some symptoms may not appear immediately.
This will also help provide evidence to the insurance company that you were indeed hurt in the accident, so seeking medical attention is a necessary step in filing a claim. It’s also important to follow all of your doctor’s orders and take all medications as prescribed, which will help document any injuries sustained during the car crash.
Call The Police
You must report a car crash to the police because it is a legal requirement and is essential for any insurance claims that may arise from the incident. Calling the police right away will ensure that your rights are protected and it will also help create an accurate record of events which could be necessary in court proceedings if you decide to pursue a personal injury case.
When they get there, make sure to be truthful in your statement. After they’re done, you should ask for a copy of the accident report. This will be beneficial in case you need it for any sort of legal proceedings or insurance claims that may arise from the incident.
Document The Scene
Make sure to also take some pictures and videos of the scene. It is important to document the condition of both cars, including all damages, and any skid marks that are present. If there were any witnesses on the scene, try to get their contact information as well. Additionally, take pictures of anything you believe may have been a factor in causing the accident or making it worse, such as traffic signs or lights, obstructions in the road, or other environmental factors.
Exchange Information
Make sure to approach the other party and ask them for their information. Demand the following things:
- Their full name
- Contact information
- Make and model of their vehicle
- License plate number
- Insurance company
- Insurance policy number (if available)
Furthermore, be prepared to give your information as well. Have your driver’s license, registration, and proof of insurance ready to provide to the other party if necessary.
Prove Negligence
Make sure to also gather evidence that will prove the other driver was negligent in the accident. This may include things like photos of the scene, witness statements, and any police reports filed. Witnesses to the crash can provide valuable evidence proving negligence by describing how the other driver behaved before, during, and after the crash.
Police reports are also important as they often contain a detailed description of what happened at the time of the crash, which can be used later on in court if necessary. Additionally, taking pictures at the scene can be very helpful in proving that someone else’s negligence led to your injuries.
File For Compensation
Once you’ve done all of the above, you’re ready to file for compensation. Filing for compensation after a car crash can be a complicated and time-consuming process, but it is an important step in making sure you get the help you need to recover.
When filing for compensation, make sure you document all of your expenses related to the accident. This includes medical bills, repair costs, lost wages, and more. You’ll also need to provide evidence that the other driver was at fault for the accident. Once you’ve collected all of your documents, contact your lawyer to help you prepare and submit your filing for compensation.
Car accidents are never a laughing matter, especially if you’ve been in one, so make sure to hire legal representation and seek medical attention immediately. Call the police and document the scene yourself as well. Approach the other party to exchange information and gather as much evidence as you can that proves their negligence. Finally, once you’re done with all of the above, file for compensation!
