Immediately following a car wreck, you may be shaken and upset. Although the crash was the other driver's fault, you're worried about hospital bills, missing work, and supporting your family while you recover.
That's why it's smart to be prepared and know what to do after a car accident injury. The following article explains what you should do after a car accident but also what you should not do.
For specific advice regarding your car accident claim and how you can obtain compensation for the injuries you suffered because of another driver's negligence or wrongdoing, contact an experienced car accident lawyer today for a free consultation.
Follow These Important Steps After a Car Accident:
Experiencing a car accident can be a disorienting and stressful event. It's crucial to stay calm and follow a set of important steps to ensure the safety of everyone involved and to navigate the aftermath efficiently. Here's a guide to follow after a car accident:
Check for Injuries
First and foremost, check for injuries. Assess yourself and others involved in the accident. If there are injuries, call for emergency medical assistance immediately.
Move to a Safe Location
If possible, move vehicles to the side of the road or a safe location to avoid further accidents. Turn on hazard lights to alert other drivers.
Seek Medical Attention
Even if injuries seem minor, it's advisable to seek medical attention promptly. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
Contact Law Enforcement and Get an Accident Report
Call the police to report the accident, even if it's minor. Having an official accident report can be crucial for insurance claims and legal purposes.
Exchange Information
Exchange information with the other parties involved, including their name, address, phone number, insurance information, driver's license number, and license plate number. Take note of any witnesses and get their contact information.
Document the Scene of the Accident
Take photos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, license plates, and the surrounding area. Capture the positions of vehicles and any relevant road signs or signals.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the accident. Provide them with accurate information and follow their guidance on the claims process.
Keep Records
Maintain a file of all documents related to the accident, including the police report, medical records, and communication with insurance companies.
Follow Up on Repairs
Coordinate with your insurance company and get estimates for vehicle repairs. Keep track of repair invoices and ensure the vehicle is restored to its pre-accident condition.
File a Personal Injury Claim
You have every right to seek compensation for your injuries and losses following a car accident that was not your fault. However, the insurance claim process is complex and requires the knowledge and skills of an experienced lawyer.
Consult an Attorney
If someone else's negligence caused the accident, you should consult an attorney with experience handling car accident claims. With over 38 years of experience, the car accident attorneys at Cory Watson are on your side. We are ready and willing to fight for you.
Remember, every accident is unique, so adapt these steps based on the specific circumstances. Prioritizing safety, communication, and documentation can significantly help in managing the aftermath of a car accident, and working with an auto accident lawyer can help you protect your rights and recover maximum compensation.
For a free legal consultation, call 877-562-0000
What Not to Do After a Car Accident Someone Else Caused
After a car accident caused by someone else, it's important to navigate the situation with care to protect your well-being and ensure a smooth claims process. Here are some things you should avoid doing after a car accident that was not your fault:
Do Not Admit Fault
Avoid admitting fault or making statements that could be interpreted as an admission of guilt. Stick to the facts when discussing the accident with the other party, the police, or your insurance company.
Do Not Engage in Confrontation
Keep a calm and composed demeanor. Avoid engaging in confrontations or arguments with the other driver, regardless of who was at fault. If tensions escalate, wait for law enforcement to arrive.
Do Not Leave the Scene
Leaving the scene of an accident, especially if there are injuries or significant property damage, is illegal. Stay at the scene until law enforcement authorizes you to leave.
Do Not Neglect Medical Attention
As mentioned, you should get medical attention for any injuries you sustain in the accident, even if you don't think they're serious. Some injuries don't manifest symptoms right away, and you need a medical exam to rule out any issues that could cause problems later. Plus, you will need documentation that you suffered an injury and received treatment to file an injury claim. If you don't get medical treatment, the insurance company may assert you were not injured and deny your claim.
Do Not Sign Anything Without Understanding
Be cautious about signing any documents, especially those provided by the other party's insurance company, without fully understanding their implications. Consult with your own insurance company or legal counsel before signing anything.
Do Not Discuss the Accident on Social Media
Avoid discussing the details of the accident on social media. Statements made online could be used against you in legal proceedings or insurance claims.
Do Not Assume the Other Driver is Insured
Even if the other driver claims to have insurance, it's essential to verify their information. Exchange insurance details and contact the insurance company to confirm coverage.
By avoiding these pitfalls and taking a careful, measured approach, you can protect your interests and ensure a smoother resolution to the aftermath of a car accident caused by someone else.
Don't Delay in Contacting an Attorney
The sooner you contact an attorney about your car accident injury claim, the better. Your lawyer will need to gather a lot of evidence to support your claim, and they will need to begin the process quickly to ensure that no evidence is lost or that witnesses forget what they saw.
Additionally, you need to be aware of your state's statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit. In Alabama, for instance, you only have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit in civil court. If your attorney doesn't file suit on your behalf within that timeframe, you will likely lose all rights you have for seeking compensation. Also, keep in mind that the at-fault driver's insurance company will likely have aggressive deadlines you must meet to file a claim with them.
What Types of Compensation Can I Receive from a Car Accident Injury Claim?
If you've been injured in a car accident, you may be entitled to various types of compensation, depending on the circumstances of the accident and the laws in your jurisdiction. Here are common types of compensation that may be available in a car accident injury claim:
- Medical Expenses: Compensation for medical bills related to the treatment of injuries sustained in the accident, including hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and other medical expenses.
- Rehabilitation and Therapy Costs: Compensation for the costs associated with physical therapy, occupational therapy, or other forms of rehabilitation necessary for recovery.
- Lost Wages: Reimbursement for income lost due to the inability to work while recovering from injuries sustained in the accident. This may also include compensation for diminished earning capacity in the future.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional suffering resulting from the injuries sustained in the accident. This is a subjective category and may vary based on the severity and impact of the injuries.
- Property Damage: Reimbursement for the repair or replacement of your damaged vehicle and other personal property that was affected in the accident.
- Permanent Disability or Disfigurement: Compensation for long-term or permanent injuries that result in a disability or disfigurement, affecting your quality of life and ability to engage in normal activities.
- Loss of Consortium: Damages awarded to a spouse or family member for the loss of companionship, affection, and other intangible benefits due to the injured person's condition.
- Emotional Distress: Compensation for emotional trauma, anxiety, or psychological distress caused by the accident and its aftermath.
- Wrongful Death Damages: If the accident resulted in a fatality, the surviving family members may be eligible for compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and emotional distress through a wrongful death claim.
- Out-of-Pocket Expenses: Compensation for miscellaneous expenses related to the accident, such as transportation to medical appointments, home modifications, or other costs directly resulting from the injuries.
- Legal Fees: In some cases, the at-fault party may be responsible for covering the legal fees incurred in pursuing the claim, especially if the injured party hires an attorney.
It's important to note that the availability and extent of compensation can vary based on factors such as the degree of fault, insurance coverage limits, and local laws. Consulting with a personal injury attorney can help you understand your specific situation and maximize the compensation you may be entitled to receive.
A Nationwide Law Firm with Extensive Car Accident Injury Experience
Remembering what to do after an accident isn't always easy, but it is extremely important.
As a result of the car crash, you may face medical bills, co-pays, and extended time off work. Most insurance companies will not voluntarily repay you for all of your losses, and you need help protecting your rights.
This is when the car accident lawyers at Cory Watson Attorneys can help. Speaking with an experienced accident attorney can help you determine if you can recover damages for your injuries. We can advise you on the best legal steps to take with your case.
From our offices in Birmingham, Nashville, and Memphis, our experienced attorneys handle car accident claims across Alabama and Tennessee.
Contact our Car Accident Injury Attorneys
At Cory Watson Attorneys, we understand how confusing and frustrating life can become while you're recovering from serious injuries. We can protect your rights, handle the insurance company, and fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
Were you or a loved one seriously injured in a car wreck? The experienced car accident lawyers at Cory Watson are ready to fight for you!
Call (877) 562-0000 or fill out the online case evaluation form on this page. Your initial consultation is free, and we only get paid if we win your case.
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