If you’ve recently been in a car accident, you may be feeling overwhelmed, confused, and unsure of what to do next. The decisions you make in the days and weeks following the crash can have a major impact on your health, your finances, and your legal rights.
As experienced car accident attorneys, we have guided countless accident victims through the process of recovery and compensation. In this step-by-step guide, we at Consumer Law Attorneys will share our knowledge to help you protect yourself. If you have questions, reach out to our car accident lawyers to get the support you need.
Step 1: Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Your health and well-being should be your top priority after a car accident. It’s best to get a professional medical evaluation as soon as possible. Here’s why:
- Some injuries may not show symptoms right away: Conditions like whiplash, concussions, or internal bleeding can take days or even weeks to manifest. A prompt medical assessment can catch these “hidden” injuries early and ensure you get the treatment you need.
- Medical records serve as evidence in your case: If you decide to pursue a legal claim or insurance settlement, your medical records will be the foundation of demonstrating the extent of your damages and the impact the accident has had on your life.
- Delaying treatment can hurt your case: If you wait to seek medical care, the insurance company may argue that your injuries aren’t serious or that they were caused by something other than the accident. Prompt medical attention helps counter these arguments.
When you see a doctor after an accident, be sure to:
- Clearly explain that you were in a car crash and describe all of your symptoms.
- Follow your doctor’s treatment plan exactly, including any referrals to specialists, prescribed medications, or therapy sessions.
- Keep all of your medical bills, records, and receipts in a safe place. You’ll need these to document your expenses and losses.
Step 2: Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company
After you’ve taken care of your immediate medical needs, your next step should be to report the accident to your car insurance company. Most policies require you to report crashes quickly, often within a matter of days. Failing to do so could jeopardize your coverage.
When you call your insurer, provide basic facts about the accident, such as when and where it happened, the vehicles involved, and any injuries you sustained. However, be careful about going into too much detail or admitting fault. Stick to the facts and let the insurance company know that you’re still gathering information.
It’s important to remember that insurance companies, even your own, are businesses looking to minimize their financial exposure. They may try to get you to say something that could be used against you later to deny or reduce your claim. This is why it’s best to consult with our experienced car accident attorneys before giving a recorded statement or signing anything from the insurance company.
Step 3: Be Careful When Dealing with Insurance Adjusters
In the days or weeks after the accident, you’ll likely be contacted by an insurance adjuster from the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Their job is to investigate the accident and settle any claims that arise. While the adjuster may seem friendly and concerned about your well-being, their ultimate goal is to pay out as little as possible on your claim.
Here are some tips for dealing with insurance adjusters:
- Don’t agree to give a recorded statement without first consulting with our car accident attorneys. The adjuster may try to use your words against you later to minimize or deny your claim.
- Don’t sign anything, such as a release of liability or settlement agreement, without having our team at Consumer Law Attorneys review it first. You could be giving up important rights or accepting a lowball offer without realizing it.
- Don’t accept a quick settlement offer. The first offer from the insurance company is often far less than your case is actually worth. Our experienced car accident attorneys can help you assess the true value of your claim and negotiate for a fair settlement.
- Don’t discuss your injuries or medical treatment in detail with the adjuster. Politely direct them to speak with us at Consumer Law Attorneys about the specifics of your medical situation.
Remember, the insurance adjuster works for the insurance company, not for you. Their friendly demeanor is often a tactic to get you to let your guard down and say something that could hurt your case. The best way to protect your rights is to let our car accident attorneys handle all communication with the insurance company on your behalf.
Step 4: Consult with Our Experienced Car Accident Attorneys
Facing the financial and legal side of a car accident is overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to focus on your physical recovery. This is where our experienced car accident attorneys can help you.
At Consumer Law Attorneys, we can:
- Thoroughly investigate your accident to determine liability and gather evidence to support your claim
- Handle all communication and negotiation with the insurance companies, protecting you from saying something that could hurt your case
- Work with medical and financial experts to fully assess the short- and long-term impacts of the accident on your life
- Advocate for your rights in settlement negotiations or in court, fighting to get you the maximum compensation you deserve
At Consumer Law Attorneys, we’ve built our reputation on fighting tirelessly for the rights of accident victims like you. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a car crash can take, and we’re here to shoulder the legal burden so you can focus on healing.
Contact Our Car Accident Lawyers Today for a Free Consultation
If you’ve been in a car accident, don’t try to go it alone. Contact us today at 877-241-2200 for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our car accident attorneys will answer your questions and explain your legal options. With Consumer Law Attorneys in your corner, you can have peace of mind knowing that you have skilled legal advocates working to get you the compensation and justice you deserve.
