Getting into a car accident is frustrating, upsetting, and expensive. It’s also easy to feel like you’re not getting the help you need from your insurance company, or that it’s taking too long. If that sounds familiar, don’t panic. There are steps you can take to get compensated after a car injury. Here are six tips to help you get compensated after a car injury.
Seek Medical Attention
The first thing you should do after an accident is to seek medical attention. Even if you don’t feel like anything is wrong, insist on checking out by a doctor and be as thorough as possible when describing your symptoms and how long they’ve been going on.
Protect Evidence
The most important step is to protect evidence. If your car is in the shop, make sure you get photos of it before it’s fixed and put back together. Get written statements from everyone involved with the accident, including witnesses. The attorneys behind https://www.hurtcallbert.com/rio-rancho-car-accident-lawyers/ explain that if there are people who saw what happened or why it happened, they can help strengthen your case by backing up your version of events if the other driver tries to change their story. They may even be able to help figure out how much fault is yours and put that into perspective if that ends up being an issue down the road. It’s also wise not to speak about the accident with any witnesses until you’ve had a chance to talk with your attorney.
Collect documentation on your injuries immediately after an injury occurs, but keep in mind that some types of evidence are more valuable than others. Evidence regarding how long it took for you to recover or if your current condition can be attributed to the accident may not be as valuable as immediate medical records that document when treatment began and what kind of injuries you suffered during an accident.
Speak With An Attorney
Speak with an attorney before filing a claim. If you have the option of hiring one, do so. Even if you don’t have money to spare, your case may be worth pursuing, and that could change in the future. The more evidence you can gather now, the better your chances of winning a settlement will be without going to court. It’s also wise to consult with a personal injury attorney even if you aren’t sure whether or not you’re going to file a claim yet – they can tell you what type of documentation they want from their clients and help put together a strategy for handling insurance claims after an accident. Tips for choosing the right attorney:
- Ask friends, family members, or co-workers for recommendations.
- Look for attorneys who specialize in personal injury claims for car accidents
- Review the lawyers’ experience and education information
- Make sure to check with your state bar association to make sure they are in good standing – this is a sign that they are likely trustworthy.
Don’t Lie
Never lie. Insurance companies may check your social media accounts, Google your name and use other investigative tools to make sure you don’t give them any false information. Don’t assume that since the claim won’t be coming directly from you that they can’t trace it back to your account. Avoid posting anything defamatory on Facebook or Twitter during the time when you’re dealing with an insurance company for a car accident – not only will it lower your chances of getting compensation, but it could also make their case against you in court if you end up going that route.
Don’t Delay
Do not delay in contacting your insurer after being involved in an accident. Waiting too long can hurt your chances of getting enough money to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs associated with your injuries.
Also, don’t assume you’re not entitled to compensation because the at-fault person has little or no insurance. Public carriers like Medicare or Medicaid may be able to provide supplemental funds.
If It’s Your Fault, Own Up To It
If it turns out that you are to blame for the accident, take responsibility for your actions. Not only is this the best way to ensure that the other party gets what they’re owed, but it also helps keep your insurance rates from skyrocketing. Also, if you’re at fault, you may be able to resolve things faster by reaching out on your own rather than waiting for them to contact you.
This helps move things along because people want compensation after a car injury as fast as possible. If the other person’s insurance company knows what kind of expert can answer their questions and how quickly they’ll get an evaluation completed, they will be more motivated to work with you, so they can start compensating right away without losing any more time.
In conclusion, the more evidence you can gather now, the better your chances of winning a settlement will be. Speak with an attorney before filing a claim. Even if you don’t have money to spare, your case may be worth pursuing, and that could change in the future. Never lie or post defamatory things on social media about your accident.
