Nobody wants to get into a car accident, but being ready and knowing what to do after an accident can save lives, reduce injuries, and simplify the claims process.
If you or someone else is injured in an accident, seeking medical attention is essential. It is especially true if you are experiencing pain, bruising, changes in vision or personality, or even symptoms that could indicate traumatic brain injury.
Get Medical Attention
Getting medical attention is one of the most important things to do after getting into a car accident. Not only can a doctor help you recover physically, but they can also provide valuable evidence in your legal case if you decide to pursue compensation.
Many people fear seeking medical attention after a car crash, especially if their injuries don’t seem significant. It is because the body reacts to a car accident with adrenaline, which masks the pain and discomfort of the damage.
However, this doesn’t mean that you don’t need to see a doctor. It is even more true for delayed injuries like whiplash or other muscle strains.
While you’re waiting to get medical care, make sure you keep track of your symptoms. It’s a good idea to note the severity of your pain and how often you feel it. It can be helpful when you’re trying to negotiate a settlement with the other party’s insurance company.
Seek Legal Advice
If you’ve been involved in a car accident, seeking legal advice is essential. An attorney at Lampert and Walsh can help you investigate your case, negotiate with insurance companies, and advocate for you in court if necessary.
When victims are involved in a severe car accident, their lives are turned upside down. Many victims are left to cope with severe physical injuries and emotional trauma.
They may also face dire financial straits due to injury-related medical costs. But, again, an experienced car accident lawyer can compensate you for your suffering.
Seeking prompt medical attention is vital in preventing physical and mental injuries from getting worse and preserving the integrity of your future insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit. It’s also essential to follow through with your treatment plan. It will make it easier to prove that your injuries are severe and can strengthen your injury claim in the long run.
Don’t Sign Anything
Car accident victims’ biggest mistake is signing anything without first talking to an attorney. That includes release forms, affidavits, and the initial settlement offer from the insurance company.
The most important thing to understand about these releases is that you’re giving them private information they can use against you.
For example, signing a medical authorization could give them the right to request your medical history. It could include injuries you didn’t notice immediately after the crash or ones that have only recently started presenting symptoms.
It would be best also to be careful about agreeing to a final settlement offer after your medical treatment is completed, as this can ruin your claim and rights. Again, it is because you may need to know how much money you’ll need in the future, and once you sign a release form, you can’t go back to the insurance company with additional claims.
Don’t Talk to the Other Party’s Insurance Company
In most cases, talking to the other party’s insurance company is not a good idea after getting into a car accident. It is because their primary goal is to pay out as little as possible, and they will try and use whatever you say against you later in the case.
That’s why you should take the time to prepare for any phone call from an insurance adjuster. By following these simple rules, you can ensure that what you say does not negatively impact your case.
First, make sure to get the name and contact information of anyone who was involved in the crash. Also, get their license numbers, vehicle information (if they own the car), and insurance company and policy number.
