Your first car accident can be a very scary situation, and a loved one may be the first person you call after your accident. However, there are several other phone calls you need to make to ensure you are taking all the right steps. There may be a situation where you’re injured by another person. It may be on the road or using a certain product. In these times, you may have a personal injury case on your hands. Dealing with it will be less stressful as long as you utilize the following advice and make the right phone calls.
The Police
It is best to let the police evaluate the car accident, especially when they can collect information and create an accident report. If the accident involves any injuries or life-threatening situations, a 911 operator can send first responders to the scene. In addition, it is required in many states to call 911 after getting into a car accident, especially if the accident causes an injury or property damage. Even if the accident seems minor at the time, it’s still important to make a police report. This is particularly true in the case of auto collisions. The police will document the accident and get your statements.
During this time, try giving them as many details that you can. Let them know where you were and what you were doing seconds prior to getting injured. Once this statement has been taken, the police will provide you with a copy. You need this if you plan on pursuing a personal injury case.
Your Doctor
After the accident, it is recommended that you seek medical attention. Not only will this help you reach a stable condition, but it documents the extent of your injuries. Treating physicians will provide the necessary treatments and perform tests, which will be managed via forms.
You can then take these forms and give them to your attorney. They show just how much you’ve suffered and also prove you’re not lying about the accident. Having medical evidence can fast-track this entire process, which is probably the most important thing during this stressful time. You’ve been through enough already, after all.
It is important to schedule an appointment with your doctor after a car accident. You may not feel sore at the moment because of your adrenaline, but this does not mean you are not going to feel any pain or discomfort in several hours. Your doctor may want to check for undetected injuries, such as a concussion or fracture. If you decide to work with a lawyer to file an injury claim, your medical records can be used as evidence that you were injured in the crash.
Personal Injury Lawyer
Once you know you are safe, you want to call a personal injury lawyer. In fact, you want to call the personal injury lawyer before contacting your insurance company. The goal of an insurance agent is to quickly settle the claim between both parties, but your personal injury lawyer wants to help you get the compensation you deserve. It is extremely important that you find a legal service like the Grall Law Group who has plenty of experience when it comes to handling personal injury cases. Look for a lawyer that has worked on cases in your area since some injury laws vary depending on where you live. You can find reputable experts by reading online reviews from clients who have worked with personal injury lawyers in the past.
Insurance Company
Finally, you need to notify your insurance company of the car accident. Your personal injury lawyer is going to work with you to ensure the process goes as smoothly as possible. In many cases, your personal injury lawyer can contact your insurance company and file the claim on your behalf. This is a great way to reduce the stress that comes with getting into a car accident.
You’ll be hearing from insurance companies after this accident to document what happened. It’s important to be careful when talking to them, though. If you say the wrong thing, that could hurt your personal injury case. Some insurance companies may have you take photographs of the accident as well as any injuries you may have sustained. It’s very important that this evidence is gathered as soon as you can.
That’s why it’s best to prepare an official statement that describes the accident from your perspective. Then when insurance companies call in, you can just read from this prompt. This decreases your chances of saying the wrong thing or something that could be used against you in court. Make sure this statement is factually accurate and concise.
Your first car accident can be a nerve-wracking experience, but you still need to make the necessary phone calls after the accident. When you take the time to make the above phone calls, you are taking the steps to ensure the situation goes smoothly.
No one ever wants to get injured by a negligent party, but it can happen in today’s society. What you need to do is proceed with caution and take advice from a personal injury lawyer. Then, you’ll know how to approach this legal situation so that everything ends up working out in your favor. Thoroughly understanding what should be done ahead of time can prepare you for any unexpected accidents that may occur in the future.
