Steps To Take After An Automobile Accident
No one leaves their home in the morning expecting to get into an automobile accident; however, accidents happen. If you are severely injured and end up filing a lawsuit, it is important that you understand the claims process. Here are a few things you will want to do to help strengthen your case and increase the chances of success.
Take Pictures of the Scene
As long as your injuries aren't too severe, try to take pictures of everything that you can at the scene of the auto accident. This should include damage to your vehicle and the other vehicle, victims, placement of vehicles, road conditions, etc. This will simply help to justify your story and injuries later on.
Seek Medical Attention
When you are in an accident, don't try to ignore the pain. Simply seek medical care. In many cases, your emotions are heightened and you don't feel the pain that you are actually in. By ignoring the potential injuries that you have, it could cause further damage to your body. It is better to be safe than sorry.
File Your Insurance Claim
If the other driver is at-fault and you plan to file a claim against them, don't wait to do it. Go ahead and file your insurance claim as soon as possible. The sooner you can file it, the better.
Follow Your Doctor's Treatment Plans
Not only do you need to ensure that you go to every appointment that is made, you also need to ensure that you do everything that your physician tells you. Regardless of whether you feel it is unnecessary or you disagree with the doctor's advice or treatment plan, the physician is there to help you in this time of need. If you fail to do as the doctor recommends, it will appear as if you are not as injured as you claim to be.
Wait to Settle
Though you should be quick to file your insurance claim, the same cannot be said of settling. If you are seriously injured, you need to understand that you have one opportunity to settle and get the amount of compensation that you need. You need to receive a full assessment of your injuries, their severity, and associated costs before you can settle.
Talk to a Personal Injury Attorney
Prior to ever speaking to the insurance company or agreeing to a settlement amount, it is a good idea to speak to a personal injury attorney about your auto accident care. He or she will be able to examine the facts of your case and determine an adequate amount of compensation. Contact a firm, like Maruca Law, for more help.