What You Can Do to Protect Your Rights After a Car Accident

Each year, roughly 4.4 million Americans are hurt in car crashes that require medical attention. As you may know, car accident injuries can create lasting negative effects on a person’s life. Therefore, it’s imperative that you take the proper action after a vehicle collision.

If you have been involved in a car accident, there are certain steps you can take to protect your rights and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. Below are some things to keep in mind.

1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately

This is important for both your health and for building a strong case later on. Be sure to get a full medical examination as soon as possible after the accident, even if you don’t think you were seriously injured. Some injuries, such as whiplash, may not be immediately apparent but can still cause long-term damage.

Furthermore, some insurance companies will try to deny a settlement if there isn’t a hospital visit on the date of the accident. Their claim is usually that the accident victim isn’t truly hurt because they waited to get help for their car accident injuries.

2. Gather Evidence

If you are able to do so, it is helpful to take photos of the accident scene, damage to the vehicles involved, and any injuries you sustained. You should also get the contact information of any witnesses to the accident. This will be important if there are any disputes about what happened or who was at fault later on.

3. Call the Police

Even if the accident seems minor, it is always a good idea to call the police. They will create an official report of the accident, which can be used as evidence in your case. They’ll also investigate the accident and determine who was at fault.

4. Speak to an Attorney

It is wise to consult with an experienced car accident attorney as soon as possible after the accident. They’ll be able to advise you on the steps to take next and help you get the compensation you deserve.

5. Do Not Give a Recorded Statement

The insurance company will likely try to get you to give a recorded statement about the accident and your injuries. It is important that you do not do this without first speaking to a lawyer.

The insurance company may use what you say against you later on. Therefore, it is best to have someone experienced in these matters present during any conversations with them.

6. Do Not Admit Fault

Do not apologize or admit fault to anyone at the accident scene, as this could be used against you. Even if you think you may have been at fault, it’s smart to wait until all the facts come out before making any statements.

7. Do Not Sign Any Releases

The insurance company will likely try to get you to sign a release in exchange for a settlement check. This release waives your right to any further compensation, so it’s vital that you do not sign it.

8. Get a Copy of the Police Report

The police report from the accident is helpful for your case. It’ll have information about what happened, who was involved, and may even contain the names of witnesses.  You can get a copy of the report by requesting it from the police department.

9. Keep All Documentation

Keep all documentation related to the accident, including medical records, bills, prescriptions, and insurance correspondence. This is important if you need to file a lawsuit or appeal an insurance decision.

10. File a Lawsuit

If you have been involved in a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and other damages. An experienced attorney can help you file a lawsuit and get you a fair settlement.

Filing a car accident lawsuit on your own is not a good idea. The insurance companies have teams of lawyers who are experienced in handling these cases, and you will likely not get a settlement that’s sufficient if you don’t have legal representation.

In fact, if you hire an attorney, the insurance company is more likely to take your case seriously and may be more likely to offer a fair settlement. Plus, if the case goes to court, a local car accident lawyer will understand how to handle all facets of the proceedings.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Car Accident Settlement?

The amount of time it takes to get a car accident settlement depends on a number of factors. These include the severity of the injuries, the insurance companies involved, and whether a lawsuit is filed.

In general, it can take anywhere from a few months to a few years to reach a settlement. The good news is, if you hire legal representation, doing so could speed up the process.

If you were in a car accident, prepare to wait a while for your settlement. In the meantime, be sure to follow the steps above to protect your rights and get paid for your pain and suffering.

Understanding  How to File A Car Accident Lawsuit

Following these steps after a car accident can help you protect your rights and get fair treatment from the insurance provider. If you have been involved in a car accident, contact an experienced attorney. Doing so will save you a lot of hassle when dealing with the insurance company.

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