You may unknowingly hurt your chances at receiving compensation after a car accident by doing or saying certain things. To protect your ability to receive the benefits you are entitled to, you should be aware of what to do and what not to do. Here are some tips to follow if you are involved in a car collision.
First, contact the police to have a police report filled out. This document carries a lot of weight in a car accident claim. You should also take note of the scene of the accident. Any details you could provide could be important to prove your claim. For instance, a tree branch that was overgrown and hid a stop sign could have an impact on a person’s liability. A stop light that was malfunctioning is another important detail to mention for your case.
Take photos of the scene. Zoom out to get a photo of the entire scene, then zoom in for close-ups of the vehicles involved. Take pictures of damage sustained to the cars or other property.
Talk to anyone who was around when the accident happened. Get their names and phone numbers, so you have witnesses to the event.
After an accident, you may be more worried about damage to your vehicle than an injury. Adrenaline may kick in, and you feel fine at the time if there are no major injuries. However, it is still a good idea to get checked by a doctor in case you experience pain or injuries later.
Some injuries such as traumatic head injuries may have delayed symptoms. As soon as you notice that you aren’t feeling well, you should seek out medical treatment. In other cases, such as whiplash, you may think you are just a little sore or that the symptoms will disappear. If a more serious injury is present, getting medical attention can improve your chances of faster recovery.
Make sure you follow your doctor’s treatment plan and advice if you are injured. The insurance company may try to deny your claim if they think you are not as injured as you claim or if you fail to follow the advised treatment.
For more serious injuries, you may receive a lot of documentation. There may be numerous expenses involved in treating your injuries that qualify for compensation as long as you can prove relevance. For example, you may need to install a ramp to your house or grab bars in the shower due to injuries. You may have to purchase a wheelchair, walker or cane to assist you further.
While your attorney can request medical records for your case, the process will go a lot faster if you have copies of everything you have been given. You must be able to prove any requests for compensation from your car accident.
To obtain compensation after you have been involved in a car crash, you need to hire an attorney early in the process. They can work at moving the process along and start negotiations for a settlement. They will also handle the communication between you and the insurance company and help you make a statement that will protect your right to compensation. A lawyer will be able to provide sound advice throughout the claims process to ensure you receive the maximum amount of compensation to which you are entitled. They will also be able to submit a demand letter for an amount that is both fair and reasonable.
Follow these tips to ensure you obtain the maximum compensation for a car crash that results in an injury.