What you do after a car accident can directly impact whether you can receive financial compensation and how much money you may be due. Although you are dealing with physical injuries, you must still proceed with the legal process if you want to successfully resolve your matter. The Liberty, MO car accident attorneys at the Aramjoo Law Firm Personal Injury Lawyers can help you during this difficult time.
What to Do at the Scene of a Car Accident
Positioning yourself for an eventual insurance claim begins at the scene of the accident. To help set the stage for your case, you should do the following at the scene of the accident:
- Contact law enforcement to have them come to the scene of the accident.
- Get as many pictures of the scene and damage to the cars as your physical health permits.
- Be very careful about engaging with the other driver beyond obtaining their contact information and never admit fault or discuss your actions.
- Get contact information from witnesses who saw the crash and a general description of what they saw.
- Try to remain calm to the best of your ability.
- Err on the side of getting medical treatment at the scene if you even remotely suspect that you have suffered an injury.
Contact Your Insurance Company and Be Wary of the Other Driver’s Insurance Company
You will need to contact your own insurance company to report the accident. Always be careful about what you say and the words that you use. If you admit fault for the accident, it may be impossible to receive financial compensation for your injuries.
At the same time, the other driver’s insurance company may be trying to reach you. Nothing good can ever come from speaking with them. They will want to get you on record saying something that can undercut your claim. Do not give them a recorded statement, and exercise caution to avoid speaking with them. The problem is that they may try to trick you into speaking with them and giving a statement.
See a Doctor and Follow Their Treatment Plan
After you have suffered an injury in a car accident, you should get medical help as soon as possible. If your injuries are severe and immediate, you will get help at the scene and be sent to the hospital. Even if you did not need immediate treatment, it does not mean that you have not suffered an injury. Some car accident injuries take time to show symptoms. If these injuries are not treated, they will grow worse over time.
If you begin to notice symptoms, you must see a doctor immediately. Ignoring symptoms will not only make your medical condition worse, but it will also harm your legal case. Follow up on your medical treatment and do whatever the doctor recommends. Take all medications that you are prescribed and attend all rehabilitation sessions. The insurance company will closely watch how you are taking care of your health to find some way to blame you.
Call a Lawyer as Soon as You Can
One of the most important calls that you will make is to an experienced car accident lawyer. There is only so much that you can do after an accident, and your physical injuries occupy your attention. When you call a personal injury lawyer, you will get the peace of mind that comes from knowing that you have a veteran fighter in your corner. Their job is to keep the insurance company from taking advantage of you and standing up when they try to shortchange you.
The best time to call a car accident attorney is as soon as possible after the collision. You have a limited amount of time to gather evidence after a car accident that can prove who was responsible. If you wait too long, this evidence can be lost forever. In addition, you risk making a mistake that can harm your case if you try to proceed on your own. It costs nothing to speak with an attorney and learn more about your legal options.
Save Any Documentation That Can Help Your Case
Finally, you should retain any documentation that can bear on the question of fault for the accident and your potential damages. Make copies of all your records and give them to your lawyer as they help prepare your claim. Although it may be difficult, staying as organized as possible can help your lawyer as they do their job in fighting for your legal rights.
Contact a Liberty, MO, Car Accident Lawyer Today
The Aramjoo Law Firm Personal Injury Lawyers work on behalf of injured clients like you as you seek the financial compensation that you deserve after you have suffered an injury by someone else’s carelessness. We are the tough and dedicated advocates that you need to slice through insurance company red tape. First, you need to contact us to schedule your free initial consultation. You can send us a message online or call us today at (816) 479-5898 to speak with an attorney about your case.
Car Accident Case FAQs
What happens if my claim is denied?
You can file a lawsuit against the responsible driver in court, which the insurance company will need to defend. The jury makes the final decision about liability in your case.
How do I win a car accident case?
You must show that the other driver was negligent to be in a position to receive financial compensation. Negligence is the legal term for acting unreasonably under the circumstances.
What is an example of car accident negligence?
If another driver broadsided your car because they were not looking and ran a stop sign, that would be an instance of negligence that will entitle you to financial compensation.