When we get into a vehicle and head out, we don’t expect the day will end in a car accident. However, most of us will be in at least one or two car accidents in our lifetime. Unfortunately, some accidents lead to serious injuries. You may feel overwhelmed with the stress, pain, and urgency to deal with the insurance company. While your medical bills pile up, you may feel desperate to get money coming in, especially if you’re unable to work. That’s when the insurance company comes back with a paltry settlement that won’t even begin to pay your bills.
Insurance companies never have your best interest in mind, regardless of their feel-good mottos, cute brand mascots, and hired actors that are supposed to convey trustworthiness. Don’t give in to pressure to settle for less than what your claim is worth. In fact, you should never settle until you talk to one of our car accident attorneys. You could be leaving a significant amount of money on the table simply because you don’t know your rights.
The time to get in touch with one of our lawyers is now because a clock started ticking the moment you had your crash. There are strict laws that govern the amount of time you have to seek compensation. The sooner you call us, the more quickly we’ll be able to resolve your claim successfully.
First things first, after a car accident
Directly after a car accident, there are steps to take to ensure you will be able to collect compensation which include the following:
Call the police - Calling the police is critical to establish liability and to receive emergency services if you’re injured. A police report will be strong evidence when presented to the insurance company and will be vital in any court proceedings. Without a police report, you’ll be stuck in a situation where it’s your word against the other party’s word, which can make things more difficult.
Gather evidence - If you’re able, take pictures and video of the accident scene. Be sure to document the damage to both vehicles and the surrounding area, including intersections and traffic flow. Get the contact information of any eyewitnesses as their testimony can bolster your version of events.
Get medical help - You should see a doctor as soon as possible after your injury for the sake of your health. Some injuries do not present right away. Concussions, internal bleeding, and spinal injuries can take days to manifest. The only person that’s qualified to determine if you’re okay is your doctor. Seeking medical attention right away can also lessen the amount of time it will take to recover. Additionally, a doctor’s documentation is extremely valuable when determining the amount of compensation you should receive.
Contact Morgan & Morgan car accident injury lawyers - As stated earlier, the sooner you get someone who will look out for your best interests, the better. Insurance companies use all types of tactics to undermine legitimate claims. You could inadvertently say something that will hurt your claim, and they phrase questions in such a way as to make you sound like you’re not as injured as you actually are. Our lawyers will advise you on how to communicate with the other party’s insurance adjuster.
What to avoid after a car accident injury - While it’s vital to know what to do after a car accident injury, it’s also important to understand what not to do. Don’t make the following critical mistakes.
Not making a police report - When you believe you’ve only been in a minor car accident, it’s tempting to simply exchange information with the other driver and get on with your day. However, as mentioned previously, some injuries aren’t apparent right away. Even whiplash, which can be excruciating, sometimes takes a while to become evident. Some people have symptoms that can last for longer than three months. Some people even experience permanent symptoms. Without a police report documenting the accident, your chances of getting the kind of compensation you’ll need to deal with supposed “minor” injuries are diminished.
Admitting blame - Never admit responsibility for a car accident. It’s natural to want to show that you care for the other party, but if you say, “I’m sorry,” that statement can be used against you later. Even if you feel that you have some responsibility, don’t admit to it.
Accepting an insufficient settlement - Don’t fall for insurance company strong arm tactics. You don’t have to accept their settlement offer if it’s unfair. Furthermore, you should let your lawyer decide what’s fair as they have extensive experience in similar situations and know what injuries like yours are truly worth.