Millions of people are involved in motor vehicles accidents in the United States annually, resulting in fatalities along with serious injuries. In 2009, there have been significantly more than 5.5 million car accidents in the U.S., which led to 31,000 deaths and nearly two million injuries. For those injured in an auto accident, it’s immensely important to be aware of the right steps to take afterward in order to protect yourself from further harm. Too often, car accident victims are cheated during their time of need or their rights are violated without their knowledge.
A lot of people believe that insurance companies operate in the best interest of victims, protecting them from harm and ensuring that they receive the compensation they’re entitled to. Unfortunately, some insurance companies actually train their claims adjusters to reject personal injury claims, or drag out the claim over a lengthy time frame hoping that the victim will simply give up. This deceptive practice prevents victims from receiving the reimbursement they’re eligible to, leaving them to shoulder an overwhelming financial burden on the surface of the physical pain they’ve already endured. It is imperative that victims of motor vehicle accidents take the necessary steps in order to protect themselves following an incident, which often includes hiring an auto accident attorney to represent their case. car accident attorney los angeles cz.law
Document the Scene of the Accident
The first faltering step to take carrying out a motor vehicle accident is to document the scene of the accident. Besides contacting law enforcement and offering an official statement, accident victims also needs to do what they could to sufficiently record the type of the accident. It might be necessary to replicate the scene and the facts of the accident in order to determine what caused the accident and with whom liability lies. Documenting the scene of the accident may involve taking photographs of the accident and the cars involved, making sure a complete police report has been filed, and collecting the personal information, insurance company, and vehicle identification amount of all individuals involved in the accident. It is also important to consider in order to avoid admitting fault or liability to anyone; you should limit your interaction to law enforcement alone.
Contact your Insurance Company
Next, contact your insurance company in order to process your own injury claim. It could benefit you to speak together with your insurance agent when you are at the scene of the accident with a police officer, who may manage to provide your insurance company with more accurate and pertinent information. It is important to supply your insurance company with extensive details concerning the accident and the extent of one’s injuries. Remain in contact with your insurance company in order to ensure your rights are protected and to be sure you are taken seriously.
Seek Medical Attention
The next step to take after being involved in an auto accident is to seek medical attention. While some car accident injuries can be recognizable, like bruises and lacerations, others may take a longer time frame to surface, such as for instance concussions and neck or back injuries. It is important to view a medical professional just after a motor vehicle accident so these less noticeable injuries can be detected and treated promptly. Without proper medical care, these injuries may cause serious complications in the longer term and later in life, and in the event that you wait too much time after an incident to see a medical professional, it could be difficult to begin a connection involving the accident and your injury. It is also imperative to seek medical attention following an incident which means that your injuries can be recorded and you’ve adequate medical documentation of the injuries brought on by the accident.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer
One of the very helpful steps to take after a motor vehicle accident is to contact an experienced car accident lawyer to talk about your legal options. Many individuals might be unaware of their rights as an auto accident victim, leaving them subjected to the deceptive practices of insurance companies and others wanting to take advantage of their vulnerability. Car accident attorneys are an invaluable resource to have on your own side during this period of need. Not only will they easily obtain critical medical records and insurance documentation, but there is also use of experts who specialize in reconstructing motor vehicle accidents in order to determine fault or liability. This can be a key component in holding the right party accountable for the injuries sustained by you as a victim.
You will find specific steps you should take after being involved in a motor vehicle accident. By following these steps, you can protect yourself from an overwhelming financial burden on top of physical and emotional pain. You can also ensure a reasonable settlement for injuries and damages received. By hiring a qualified car accident lawyer, an incident victim can take some time he must focus on seeking proper medical care without having to concern yourself with creating a personal injury case as well. Your attorney will devote his time and awareness of compiling evidence and building the case, allowing you to focus on building a full and expedient recovery.
