Heart pounding, hands trembling, you’ve just found yourself in an accident caused by another party’s negligence.
Or, sadly, perhaps you are facing even more significant personal injuries. What you do next could make all the difference in your recovery journey, and seeking fair compensation if you or someone you loved were injured. To assist you in this process, we’ve compiled a list of recommended actions to take following a car crash:
Additionally, some injuries, such as certain types of head trauma, aren’t always apparent right after an accident. It’s important to stay vigilant for any symptoms that may arise later on and to communicate all your problems to your medical providers.
Plus, if the other driver’s insurer is slow or unresponsive, your insurer could cover your property damage without meaningfully affecting your premium, since your insurance company will seek reimbursement from the other driver’s insurance company.
It is advisable not to agree to provide a “recorded statement” to insurance companies regarding the accident’s cause or disclose specifics about your injuries and medical treatment before speaking to a lawyer. Instead, limit the conversation to reporting the accident and initiating the process of addressing the property damage claim. If you decide to hire a personal injury attorney, they then can help communicate relevant information to the insurance company, preventing any misinterpretation or distortion of your statement.
It is essential to know that other insurance companies may be involved in an accident, especially in cases where the at-fault driver was driving someone else’s vehicle or was on the job. In such situations, seeking the help of an experienced personal injury attorney can prove crucial. They can identify additional sources of insurance coverage, including additional liability policies or underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage, which can be a significant advantage. Thus, enlisting the services of an experienced personal injury attorney can prove highly beneficial.
Individuals can typically handle property damage claims without legal representation. Property damage claims can be resolved without affecting personal injury claims. However, most personal injury attorneys will assist with property damage claims at no additional cost.
Retain all documents associated with your medical treatment, including bills and initial records, as well as keep a record of time missed from work and any out-of-pocket expenses incurred because of the accident. These expenses should be compensable as part of your claim. Engaging an attorney can aid in managing this process. However, maintaining basic documentation of the events and their effects on your life will prove beneficial.
Following these steps can help protect your legal rights and ensure you receive proper care after a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence.
The article first appeared in Best Lawyers Personal Injury and Malpractice Legal Guide used with permission.
About this Author
Lynwood leads the Litigation practice. His experience encompasses a wide variety of civil litigation in both state and federal courts. He has extensive experience in all aspects of litigation, including depositions, hearings, and mediations, as well as, arbitrations, appeals, and cases tried to jury verdict. Lynwood also counsels individuals and businesses who are currently involved, or could potentially become involved, in litigation. He also provides national pre-suit negotiation and litigation management services. He has been rated by his peers as being “…
Jeremy leads the Personal Injury and Wrongful Death practice. He has extensive experience litigating claims for wrongful death, serious personal injury, and a broad range of civil litigation before state and federal courts, including cases involving vehicle accidents, professional malpractice, premises liability, products liability, and class actions, among other areas.
In addition to his personal injury matters, Jeremy frequently represents clients in trusts and estates litigation and eminent domain cases. He also has significant business…
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What to do Right After a Car Crash Protecting Rights – The National Law Review
