Car accidents are inevitable and are common mishaps on our roads. According to Road Safety Facts, about 38,000 deaths in the US are attributed to car crashes yearly. Motor vehicle accidents result in multiple injuries, which can be fatal. For this reason, the demand for personal injury attorneys keeps on rising, and many law firms have come up to help accident victims. If you incur injuries in a car accident, you should take various steps to stay safe and hold the negligent party liable.
Check out tips to guide you:
- Take & preserve evidence
Take photos of the accident scene, the damaged vehicle, injuries, and bruising. If possible, capture clear images of blood on your body or stains on your clothing. Your attorney will need this to negotiate for fair compensation. Also, if you incurred severe buries, keep on taking photos to document the healing process. This shows the healing duration and will come in handy when proving your case.
- Get contact information & Witnesses.
In most cases, drivers will refuse to take responsibility, and witnesses will help if there’s no clear liability. Moreover, witnesses can help you get a higher statement amount during negotiations. That’s not all, though!. You also need information about the vehicles involved. Get details from the driver, even for multiple cars. Any Palmetto Bay personal injury lawyer will tell you that the information will be crucial during the claim process.
- Don’t hurry!
It’s easy to panic and rush to settle legal issues after being involved in an accident. This isn’t advisable, though. Don’t rush to take legal action against the other driver, instead get medical attention and have a doctor examine all your injuries. Besides, the law provides ample time to decide on the next course of action, and your health should be a priority.
- Seek prompt medical help
It’s best to seek medical help immediately. In most cases, some injuries take longer to exhibit serious signs but can be fatal in the future. Also, you need a doctor’s report to file a compensation claim. The type of injury determines your settlement value, and a statement from a physician will come in handy.
- Don’t give too much information.
The insurance representative may try to seek information from you. Don’t be pressured to share details with the agents without the presence of an attorney. Some insurance companies may even offer a certain settlement for the injuries. Don’t rush to make decisions; instead, seek help from an attorney and let the professional handle this.
- Engage a car accident attorney
Car accidents may involve severe injuries and hefty medical bills. To hold the negligent party liable, you need an attorney to prove your case. Hire an experienced personal injury lawyer to help you file a claim and follow up on the issue on your behalf. There’s a statute of limitations, and you may lose your compensation rights if you take too long to file a claim.
The bottom line
The common injuries in car accidents range from whiplash, fractures, brain injuries, back injuries, bruises, and more. These can be fatal and necessitate immediate medical attention. An attorney will also help determine your eligibility for compensation.
