Thousands of people need to deal with the outcome of motor vehicle accidents every single year. Fortunately, most collisions only lead to minor injuries and property damages. However, even then, you can make a car accident injury claim so that the party at fault would pay your bills.
All car accidents are different but there are some common steps you can take in order to make sure you receive the proper compensation. Auto accident attorneys or truck accident attorneys will help but you should be aware of the following very important things.
When At The Scene
The very first thing is to check on the well-being and safety of all passengers, together with everyone else who was involved. Contact the paramedics even if you do not think you are injured. Sometimes, symptoms of your injuries only appear days after the car accident.
Make sure to contact the police so that a report can be carried out at the scene. Do this even when the accident is minor because the police report will help you during the claim process.
Try to take as many photos as you can so that you can prove what happened. Also, do not make statements that would eventually end up being used against your claim.
Always Seek Medical Care
Timely medical treatment is necessary for every single one of your injuries. If you do not go to the emergency room, you have to at least go to your physician. When symptoms will not resolve fast, get the second opinion. And make sure you follow prescribed treatments.
We recommend that you keep a journal so you detail symptoms, treatments, medications, and pain. This will be very helpful during the claim since it will highlight absolutely all the damages you need to get compensation for.
Dealing With Insurance Companies
Get in touch with your insurance company in order to report what happened. The insurance firm is going to assign claim numbers and an adjuster to deal with the case. Your insurer asks for information and you will be asked if you are interested in taking a statement. It will be recorded.
Keep in mind that most insurance companies out there have the hidden agenda of trying to pay as little as they can when you file an injury claim. This is why it is so important that you never agree to any deal offered until you are sure it is going to cover everything that you will have to deal with because of the property damage and the injuries suffered.
Having an attorney in your corner that knows everything about car accidents, laws, and insurance companies will protect you from the unwanted actions of the insurance adjuster. This is really important to remember. Also, the lawyer is going to do wonders when it comes to building a very strong case.
Some will tell you that you do not have to hire an attorney. While it is not required by law, it is true protection for you. This is practically the only way to guarantee yourself a fair compensation for all you suffered.
