Car crashes happen all the time, and their consequences can be devastating. Every year, hundreds of people lose their lives in car crashes, and even more people suffer serious injuries. If you have ever been involved in a car crash, you already know how stressful it is. Not only do you need to deal with your injuries and emotional trauma, but you also have to worry about legal matters – you need to protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve. Don’t worry, we are here to help you. In this article, we’ll give you six legal tips worth following, because understanding car crashes and what to do after them will ease this situation as much as possible.
Make Sure Everyone’s Safe and Healthy
Right after a car crash, it’s important you make sure everyone is safe and out of any possible danger. If it’s possible, move your car to a safe place to prevent any further accidents. Once you have done this and secured the area, check for injuries. Even if you think you are fine, it’s still important to get medical help. There are many injuries like whiplash or internal injuries that are usually not visible right after the crash but can have serious consequences if left without any treatment. One more piece of advice all car accident lawyers would tell you is to document your medical condition. When you’re seeking compensation, medical records are the greatest evidence of the injuries you got in a crash. Getting medical help right away will not only help you heal faster but will also strengthen your legal case because it will show a clear connection between injuries and crashes. Make sure to always stick to the recommended treatments and go to your follow-up appointments as well.
Call the Police
After you’re sure everyone is in a safe place and about to get medical help, the next step is to call the police. Remember that it’s important to have an official police report about the car crash. Once the officers arrive at the scene, give them all accurate information about the crash. The police report will include basic details like the location, time, and circumstances of the accidents, as well as statements from those involved and witnesses. This official report can be quite helpful when dealing with insurance claims or legal matters. It gives an objective third-party perspective on the accident, which can help determine whose fault it was. Make sure to get a copy of the police report for your own records. Also, the police report can be crucial evidence to back up your version of the story in case the other party involved in the accident denies the facts.
Collect and Save Evidence
The next important thing you should do is to collect and save evidence after a car crash. Take photos of the scene first. Try to show the cars involved, any visible damage, the road, and any important traffic signs or signals. Take photos of any debris or skid marks you see as well. These photos can be a good proof of what happened and who was at fault. Also, be sure to get contact info from everyone who was involved in the accident, whether they were drivers, passengers, or just witnesses. Get their names, phone numbers, addresses, and insurance details. If it’s possible, get statements from witnesses while their memory is still fresh. Finally, all documents related to the accident, like medical bills, repair estimates, communications with insurance companies, and so on, should be saved. It might seem like a lot, but these things are a must if you want to have a strong case and get appropriate compensation.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Almost every insurance company requires their clients to report accidents within a specific (usually short) timeframe. It’s important to contact them as soon as possible because if you don’t, you risk denial of your claim. When contacting them, give only the facts – don’t make any speculations, and don’t admit fault because it can be used against you later. Prepare all you have – medical records, police reports, and other evidence you collected and give it to your insurer. Also, keep all communication with your insurance company, for example, the names of agents you speak with and dates of your conversations. This will be helpful if there are any issues with your claim.
Hire a Car Accident Lawyer
One of the most important steps is to hire a good and experienced car accident lawyer. Admit it, this situation is not something you can handle alone. Having a lawyer by your side will release the burden from your shoulders – he will explain everything to you, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if needed. Lawyers are also experts in collecting and analyzing evidence, talking with witnesses, and building a strong case for you. They will help you fight for your rights and the compensation you deserve, including those for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Remember, a lawyer by your side means you will never be taken advantage of by insurance companies or other parties.
Don’t Talk About the Accident Publicly
Finally, try to keep silent as long as possible and don’t talk about the accident with friends, family, or on social media. Everything you say during this period can and probably will be used against you in the future, by the insurance company or opposite party. Even some comments that can seem not so important can be taken out of context and harm your case. Talk to your lawyer on this matter, because he will give you the best advice on what to share and what to keep private. Keeping silent about the accident will improve your chances of winning the case and protect you from risking your fair compensation.
Car crashes are stressful and confusing, but if you know what to do, you will protect your rights and get the compensation you deserve. Follow all these tips we talked about, and you’ll be prepared so well to handle everything that follows this stressful period.
