If you have been in a serious accident, it is important to take the necessary steps to protect yourself and your legal rights. Many people make the mistake of not seeking medical attention or hiring a lawyer, which can lead to further problems down the road. In this blog post, we will outline six important steps that you should take after experiencing a serious accident.
Hire A Lawyer
One of the most important steps that you can take after a serious accident is to hire a lawyer. A personal injury lawyer will be able to guide you through the legal process and ensure that your rights are protected. An experienced Charleston personal injury lawyer notes that many people try to handle their own personal injury claims, but end up being taken advantage of by the insurance companies. Additionally, a lawyer will be able to help you collect evidence and build a strong case.
When choosing a lawyer, it is important to do your research. You should ask around for recommendations and read reviews online. It is also important to meet with several lawyers before making a decision. During the meeting, you should ask the lawyer about their experience in personal injury cases, what their fees are, and how long they think the case will take. You should also make sure that the lawyer is licensed to practice law in your state.
Seek Medical Attention
It is also important to seek medical attention after a serious accident. Even if you feel fine, it is important to have a doctor check you out. Oftentimes, people do not realize they are injured until days or weeks after the accident. By seeking medical attention right away, you will be able to get a better idea of the extent of your injuries and start on the road to recovery. Make sure to keep all of your medical records and bills as they will be important evidence in your case. Also, be sure to follow your doctor’s orders and attend all of your scheduled appointments.
Collect Evidence
If you are able to, you should also try to collect evidence at the accident scene. This can include taking pictures of the damage, getting contact information from witnesses, and anything else that you think will be helpful. It is important to do this as soon as possible after the accident as memories can fade and evidence can disappear. You should also keep a journal detailing how your injuries have impacted your life. This evidence will be essential when it comes time to file a claim or go to court.
Call The Police
If you have been in a serious accident, it is also important to call the police. The police will be able to file a report and collect evidence. The report can be used as evidence in your case and can help establish liability. The report will also include information about any citations that were given out at the scene of the accident. Additionally, the police may be able to ticket the other driver if they were at fault for the accident. It is important to get the other driver’s insurance information as well as any witnesses who may have seen the accident.
Follow Your Doctor’s Orders
As we mentioned before, it is important to seek medical attention after an accident. Once you have seen a doctor, it is important that you follow their orders. This includes taking medication, attending physical therapy, and anything else they recommend. By following your doctor’s orders, you will be more likely to make a full recovery and will also be able to document your injuries for your case. If you fail to follow your doctor’s orders, the insurance company may argue that your injuries are not as severe as you claim. This could result in a lower settlement offer.
File A Claim
Once you have gathered all of the evidence, it is time to file a claim with the insurance company. The insurance company will then investigate the accident and determine who was at fault. It is important to keep in mind that insurance companies are not always fair and may try to lowball you on your settlement. This is why it is so important to have an experienced lawyer on your side.
When you are ready to file a claim, you will need to provide the insurance company with a number of documents. This includes your police report, medical records, and evidence from the accident scene. You will also need to provide the insurance company with your contact information and the contact information of any witnesses. You should also make sure you have your insurance policy number handy.
The insurance company will then investigate the accident and determine who was at fault. If they find that the other driver was at fault, they will be responsible for paying for your damages. If you were at fault, your insurance company may still cover some of your damages. Plus, if the other driver was uninsured or underinsured, your insurance company may be able to help you recover some of your damages.
After you have filed a claim, the insurance company will likely try to settle with you out of court. It is important to have an experienced lawyer on your side during this process as they will be able to negotiate a fair settlement. If the insurance company is unwilling to offer a fair settlement, you may need to take them to court. This is why it is so important to have an experienced lawyer on your side who can fight for you and get you the compensation you deserve.
No one ever expects to be in an accident, but unfortunately, they happen every day. If you find yourself in this situation, it is important to take the necessary steps to protect your rights. By following these steps, you will be in a better position to recover damages from the other driver. Make sure to seek medical attention, collect evidence, call the police, follow your doctor’s orders, and file a claim. And most importantly, make sure to have an experienced lawyer on your side who can fight for you and get you the compensation you deserve.
