TAKE THESE INITIAL STEPS, WITH THE HELP OF A PERSONAL INJURY LAWYER, AFTER A CAR ACCIDENT
Experiencing a car accident can be traumatic. You might be so confused that you do not know what to do immediately. However, keeping a clear and alert mind will help you determine the first steps to take when you suspect a personal injury case can be filed. This will help protect your rights and procure compensation from the insurance company.
Get Medical Attention
First and foremost, seek medical attention right after the accident. Even if you feel fine, you should go to the doctor because you may not yet know that the accident caused you injury. Symptoms like discomfort, numbness, pain, and dizziness may appear days after the incident.
Seeking immediate medical attention will not only prevent the problem from becoming worse, but will also help you with your personal injury case. Failing to do so may harm your claim because the other party may argue that the injuries were not caused by the accident.
Keep Notes of the Accident and Medical Treatment
From the moment you enter the hospital, be mindful of all tests and conversations you have with medical professionals. You need all the names and addresses of everyone who checked your health status, including doctors, physical therapists, chiropractors, and others. Every correspondence with them, such as emails, notes, telephone calls, and appointments, should also be recorded.
The same goes for medical bills and receipts, as well as travel expenses you incurred when going to the hospital. It will also help if you keep a journal about your injuries and medical care. This way, you can record all the effects of the accident. Describe the level of pain and discuss the inconveniences you suffered because of the injuries.
Aside from the medical treatment, you should also take note of what happened during the accident, including basic information: the location of the accident, the names and addresses of witnesses, and details about the police officers who reported to the incident.
You may also want to prepare proof of financial losses from the accident. Examples include lost income and job opportunities because the injuries prevented you from working or gaining work.
Snap Photos
Photographs are one of the most important pieces of evidence you can file in a personal injury case. Given this, take as many photos as possible. Snap pictures of your injuries from the time you sustained them to your first examination and all throughout the treatment.
Moreover, you should take photos of the accident area, including snapshots of the damage done to the vehicles from every angle, as well as the road. If there were skid marks, take photos of them as well. Get inside your vehicle and snap pictures of the interior, too.
Do Not Overshare
The only person you should open up to is your personal injury lawyer in Phoenix. At all costs, do not admit fault to anyone or express confusion; it can all be used against you in court. Know when to keep mum about certain details and consult your lawyer before saying anything to anyone.
Also, avoid signing any waiver or release forms without having your lawyer review them first. You may not be aware that what you sign can jeopardize your claim.
These steps will help you handle your personal injury case. If you are worried and afraid of dealing with all the stress, your lawyer will always be there to guide you every step of the way.
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Sources:
First Steps Following a Personal Injury Auto Accident, Dmv.org
Personal Injury Claims – 5 Essential Things to Do After an Accident, Nsnews.com