When you're badly injured, the last thing you want to think about is filling out paperwork, searching for an attorney, or trying to gather evidence. Yet, these steps are necessary if you want to collect the compensation you deserve due to someone else's negligence. The more you know about personal injury cases and hiring an attorney, the less stressful this time will be.
We've created this website to offer basic personal injury law advice for anyone who has been injured or who may become injured in the future. Keep in mind that if you've been injured in a car accident, due to medical neglect, or even by slipping in someone else's parking lot, your case qualifies a personal injury case — and thus you'll find our collection of articles relevant.
Everyone does their best to avoid motor vehicle accidents, but they still happen anyway. The most devastating thing about them is that they can significantly affect your life. Some car accidents will only cause property damage and perhaps some minor injuries. Unfortunately, others could cause serious injuries that might leave you incapacitated. What do you do when a reckless driver makes it happen? Seeking compensation for your personal injuries is the best thing you could do. However, you need an auto accident lawyer to guide you because the process isn't always straightforward. Here are three steps to take when pursuing a car accident lawsuit.
Carry Out Preliminary Investigation
A car accident that leaves you critically injured should be properly investigated. Of course, some people will show up at the accident scene and even help you get to a nearby medical facility. But even as you get emergency medical care, you should also investigate how the accident occurred. Unfortunately, some people ignore preliminary investigation, particularly when they just suffer minor bruises and cuts. It's wrong to assume that those minor injuries don't need medical attention or will heal on their own. If you have a close friend or relative at the scene, let them take a few photos and preserve them well. They could also get the contacts of the witnesses and write down or take a video of what they say about the accident.
Contact Your Insurance Company Right Away
It's always good to let your car insurer know you have been involved in an accident immediately after it happens. They will either repair the car or compensate you with another one, although this mainly depends on the nature of the damages sustained. However, don't forget that the insurance provider will only do what's within their coverage policy. The insurer will then pursue the insurance provider of the driver or party at fault for reimbursement. Failure to notify your insurer about the accident in good time could greatly affect your claim. First, you may have to meet all the expenses using your own money. Also, it may take several months before you are compensated.
Seek Legal Help from a Competent Auto Accident Lawyer
You should notify your insurance provider about the accident, but don't assume that's all you have to do. The insurer might sometimes not be aggressive when it comes to safeguarding your interests. Remember that they are also in business and want to minimize their expenses as much as possible. For this reason, look for a reputable auto accident lawyer to handle your case. The lawyer will ensure that no one infringes on your rights or interferes with the compensation process. They also make sure the settlement released is worth the injuries and damages sustained.
For more information, contact a local auto accidents lawyer.