3 Steps To Take After Being Injured in a Car Crash
Thousands of car accidents happen every day across the country. While many are minor accidents that cause minimal damage, others total vehicles and leave occupants seriously injured or even dead. It is essential to practice safe driving habits every day, but you could become an innocent victim if you are hit by another negligent driver. Medical bills can be astronomical, but if you are not the at-fault driver, you should be compensated for the accident. Here are three things you should do as quickly as possible to make sure you get the compensation you deserve.
Hire the Right Lawyer
There are many different types of lawyers and they all have different levels of experience. The type of case you intend to make dictates which type of lawyer you need. In most cases regarding vehicle accidents, a personal injury lawyer is the best choice. Choose an individual with a significant amount of experience to argue your case. Highly-qualified attorneys will know the right questions to ask and understand how to navigate the system smoothly, making sure you receive full compensation for your medical bills and lost wages.
Make a Police Statement
Immediately after your accident when first responders arrive, they will attempt to piece together what caused the accident. If you are able to talk, it is a good idea to issue a statement so the police know your side of the story. This allows them to examine the scene without developing any preconceived notions about what happened.
Give a simple, direct statement to the officer in charge of the scene. While you should never admit anything that could indicate guilt, taking time to speak with the police makes you cooperative and helps them determine what really happened. If you have to bring your case to court, the police statement will be a key piece of evidence, so make sure it is filled out to the best of your ability.
Call Your Insurance Company
Whether the damage to your vehicle is minor or significant, you need to contact your insurance company as soon as possible to inform them of the accident. If the accident was another driver’s fault, your insurance company will need to start gathering information to settle your claim, and if you were hurt during the incident, the company may cover medical expenses until you are compensated by the other driver. The longer you wait to contact your insurance company, the longer it will take to receive proper compensation.
Recovering from a motor vehicle accident is a lengthy process, and if you were an innocent victim, you want compensation as quickly as possible. Doing these three things as quickly as possible after the incident occurs sets you up to get the money you deserve quickly. A lawyer can help you navigate the entire process and negotiate the best settlement possible while making a police statement and calling your insurance company helps strengthen your case and helps you get by until you receive compensation. If you have been injured in a car accident, take these steps immediately to increase the chances of getting the money you deserve.
