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Car Accident
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Car Accident
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(877) 880-4090While you hope you’ll never experience a car accident, collisions are tragically common. In the U.S., there are about 6 million accidents yearly, and approximately half of those result in injuries.
In the immediate aftermath, you should check yourself and your passengers for wounds, then contact the police. The authorities will come to the scene and file a police report. If your vehicle isn’t safe to drive, you can call a tow truck. This is also the time to get insurance information from the other parties involved. If any witnesses are willing to speak on your behalf, get their contact information as well. Once the officers clear the scene, and barring any serious injuries, you can continue your day.
Of course, we all know that isn’t the end of it. You’ll need funds for car repairs and medical expenses. In the days following a collision, make sure you file an insurance claim, look after your health and consider contacting an attorney.
It’s best to file an insurance claim immediately after an accident, but circumstances may make doing so difficult:
In these cases, waiting a day or two to file a claim is perfectly acceptable. A loved one may even be able to file for you with the proper authorization.
Once you’re safe, you can focus on the claims process. Good agents will walk you through the process and give you a detailed list of everything they need. Depending on the company, you may be able to submit documents through an app or email them directly to your agent. If you’ve hired lawyers at this time, loop them in to ensure everyone is on the same page.
Insurance companies usually ask for photos of the damage. A smartphone should be sufficient as long as the pictures are clear and easily identifiable. The company may also need photos of the scene; these help establish a chain of events. If you couldn’t take pictures immediately after the accident, it might still help to get images later, as they provide context.
A police report can also offer invaluable information to the claims adjuster. Since police reports fall under the public record, you can access them through a Public Access Request or Freedom of Information Request. The process varies by state and sometimes by department, so you’ll need to check your municipality’s procedures. Depending on the jurisdiction, you can submit a request in one of three ways:
If you choose to submit a request in-person, make sure you visit the police department where the report was initially filed.
Insurance adjusters use complex systems to help them determine the monetary value of physical and emotional damages. Amounts can vary by situation and adjuster experience, and some companies utilize software to offer customers less than they should get, a technique called “lowballing.”
Fortunately, you don’t have to accept the initial offer. You can negotiate better terms, ideally with the assistance of a lawyer. Usually, you can reach an agreement without a civil suit.
In the moments after a crash, you should check for any apparent injuries, such as cuts or broken bones. However, that’s only the first step. You’ll probably have high adrenaline levels in the immediate aftermath, which can mask pain and other symptoms. Additionally, some injuries seem minor, but their severity becomes more apparent over time.
Even if you feel fine, you should pay close attention to your health in the days following a collision. Determining proper medical care impacts your life long-term and plays a role in your settlement amount.
You should see a doctor as soon as possible after an accident. Being completely honest about your symptoms helps physicians detect serious concerns, so don’t downplay any pain or stiffness. Doctors often order tests, such as x-rays, to screen for the most common car accident injuries. It’s a good idea to comply with these screenings, even if you don’t feel they’re necessary, just in case.
Additionally, don’t be afraid to revisit your physician if symptoms develop later. You should contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following:
The sooner you address the underlying issue, the better off you’ll be.
You may understandably struggle to stay organized while dealing with medical issues, but documenting your injuries is in your best interest. Getting a copy of your medical chart is an excellent place to start. This document shows your diagnoses and treatment plan, which can be extremely helpful when filing an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit. Many doctor’s offices provide access to personal charts through online patient portals, but you can also request a printed copy.
You should also document your expenses:
Ideally, your policy will pay for all of it. Having detailed records makes it more difficult for companies to argue otherwise.
It’s also a good idea to document lost wages if you miss work due to injury. For example, you can get documentation from your employer for the days you were unable to work and a record of your hourly rate if you couldn’t use paid leave.
In theory, insurance companies exist to safeguard valuable assets and make life easier after an accident. In reality, they can compound the problem. Juggling medical and vehicle repair issues is difficult enough without having to fight the insurance company as well.
If you suspect your insurance company isn’t treating you fairly, it’s time to contact an attorney. Car accident lawyers know the proper protocol for claims processing, allowing them to negotiate settlements while you focus on recovery.
Insurance is a business, which means companies want to save as much money as possible. That can result in lowballed settlements or even denied claims. Many customers don’t know their rights or are too exhausted to fight the decision; insurance companies rely on these facts to get away with not paying fair compensation.
An attorney is in your corner, advocating for you every step of the way. Car accident lawyers can handle the paperwork and deadlines, as well as explain the legal process and next steps.
If you encounter a worst-case scenario car accident, you need an attorney to help you navigate the legal and insurance system. Serious injuries can be life-changing; in addition to immediate medical needs, you may develop a chronic condition that requires ongoing care. There’s also the risk of disability. All these factors can contribute to emotional distress, which, while difficult to quantify, deserves compensation.
A serious injury or death may also result in legal action. The person at fault may face prison time, especially if negligence or substances are involved. You need an experienced attorney to represent you when there’s so much on the line.
Are you struggling to get the compensation you deserve after a serious car accident? Fielding Law offers the representation you need. We always put our clients first, ensuring they’re supported throughout the litigation. To schedule a consultation, give us a call at 877-880-4090 or contact us online.