Car accidents can be traumatizing experiences, especially when personal injury is involved. It might be challenging to know what to do next as your brain processes the aftermath of an automobile accident.
The National Safety Council has released a report stating that for the second year in a row, there has been an increase in deaths involving motor vehicles. The report shows that there was an 11% increase in deaths in 2021, following an 8.3% increase in 2020. The total number of deaths in 2021 was 46,980, which is higher than the 42,338 deaths in 2020 and 39,107 deaths in 2019.
In this article, we will provide a guide on what to do after a car accident involving personal injury, with a focus on how a personal injury lawyer can help you through the legal process.
Read more: 5 Tips for Submitting an Insurance Claim After a Car Accident
Safety First: Assess the Situation
After a car accident involving personal injury, the first priority is to ensure that everyone involved is safe. The immediate aftermath of a car accident can be chaotic and overwhelming, but taking a few simple steps can help ensure that everyone involved is safe.
The first step is to assess the situation. Check to check if anyone has been harmed or needs medical assistance. If there are wounds, it’s crucial to get medical help immediately. Call for emergency services if necessary, such as an ambulance or the police.
While waiting for emergency services to arrive, try to move to a safe location if possible. If you are unable to move due to injuries, do not attempt to move, as this could make your injuries worse. To alert other drivers of the collision, turn on your warning lights or use flares.
It is important to remain calm and composed during this time. Avoid arguing with the other driver or getting angry, as this could escalate the situation and make it more difficult to resolve.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer
It is critical to contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible following a car accident that causes injuries. A personal injury attorney can provide you with important legal advice and work to uphold your rights. Additionally, they can assist in making sure you get the payment you are due for your losses due to injuries, medical costs, lost earnings, mental suffering, and physical pain.
Personal injury lawyers conduct a thorough investigation of the accident to determine who was at fault. This involves studying police records, compiling witness accounts, and assessing any video evidence that is available.
Many car accident lawyers work on a contingency basis, meaning that they only get paid if the client receives a settlement or a favorable verdict in court. Frantz Law Group is one legal firm that allows clients to pursue legal action without any upfront costs.
As per a Forbes article, car accident attorneys usually demand 33% to 40% of your settlement or judgment as their fee. It’s advisable to be cautious of attorneys who charge higher fees as it’s unlikely that their services will result in larger settlements that justify the additional expenses.
Notify Your Insurance Company
After an automobile accident, you must notify your insurance company. You need to provide them with all the relevant details, including the time and location of the accident, contact information for any other drivers or witnesses, and information about any injuries sustained.
Keeping note of any medical care linked to your injuries is also crucial since it will strengthen your claim for compensation. This includes all doctor’s visits, hospital stays, and rehabilitation appointments.
Receipts for any costs associated with your injury, such as prescription charges, should also be kept. When you seek damages for your losses, these records will be essential.
Talk to Insurance Adjusters With a Lawyer
Insurance adjusters are taught to reduce the sums that their employer pays out in claims. After an accident, if an insurance adjuster contacts you, it’s crucial to avoid speaking with them without legal counsel.
The prospect of receiving compensation quickly after a car accident may seem appealing. However, a blog post on the National Law Review cautions that the initial settlement offers are often much lower than what you actually deserve.
Anything you say can be used against you, so it’s important to have a personal injury lawyer who can handle all communication with the insurance company on your behalf. Your attorney will fight to defend your rights and make sure you obtain proper recompense for your injuries. Additionally, they’ll be able to communicate with insurance adjusters.
Pursue Compensation
If you were harmed in a car accident, you could be eligible for financial aid to cover your losses and medical expenses. This might include the cost of care, missed payments, and suffering.
Securing compensation after a car accident can be a challenging and lengthy process, which highlights the importance of having a personal injury lawyer by your side.
Your lawyer will evaluate the extent of your damages and losses and strive to ensure that you receive the highest possible compensation. They will communicate with insurance companies and, if required, represent you in court to advocate for your rights.
Conclusion
When there is personal harm involved in a car accident, the results can be disastrous. In order to protect yourself and your legal rights, it’s essential to take certain steps after an accident, including seeking medical attention, contacting a personal injury lawyer, and notifying your insurance company.
While the process of pursuing compensation can be lengthy and challenging, working with a skilled legal representative can help ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. By taking these steps and staying calm in the aftermath of an accident, you can take control of the situation and begin to move forward.
