When it comes to our daily lives, few things are as important as our health. That’s why people seek indoor workout routines and research different diets. Sadly, some people fall prey to road accidents that cause them injury. If you’ve been hurt in a serious road incident, you need to focus on healing and getting your life back on track. You also need to make sure that your rights are protected.
In this article, we’ll discuss ways to ensure that you get the medical care and financial compensation you deserve.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Many times, people feel fine immediately afterward (adrenaline can mask physical pain) but begin to experience symptoms later on. Conditions such as traumatic brain injuries may not be immediately apparent but can have long-term effects if left untreated. If you hit your head during the accident or were jolted around violently, it’s better to err on the side of caution and be seen by a doctor.
After a serious road accident, you may need an ambulance to take you to the hospital. By seeking medical attention right away, you can ensure that any injuries are diagnosed and treated as soon as possible. Your doctor will also create a record of your injuries – which will be important if you decide to make a claim for compensation at a later date. Without this, the other party’s insurance company could deny that the injuries were sustained during the incident.
Involve A Lawyer
You should never try to deal with the aftermath of a serious road accident on your own. It’s important to involve a lawyer who can help you protect your rights and seek financial compensation from the party responsible. Your attorney will be able to guide you through the process of making a claim and gathering your supporting evidence.
A Google search can help you find a local lawyer who can help you, and many of their websites also contain helpful information. If you sustained an injury from a truck accident you can find out how these claims are different from car incidents, why they occur, and who’s responsible. Guidance can also be gained regarding how compensation is determined, how negligence is established, and what the legal fees are for truck accident lawyers.
Get a Police Report
In the case of serious road accidents, it’s highly likely that the Police will be required to come. They’ll take statements from witnesses and photographs of the scene. The Police will also oversee any road closures or diversions that are necessary.
Finally, the Police will prepare a report which will be useful if you need to make an insurance claim or take legal action. If you’re able to, get the name and badge number of the officer who attended the scene, as well as the incident reference number. This will help you track down the Police Report when you need it.
The document can be used for providing insurance companies with information about what happened and who was involved. In some cases, you may need to file a Freedom of Information Act request to get a copy of the report.
Take Peoples’ Contact Details
Here’s what you should request from the other party at the scene of the accident:
- their name, address, phone number, and email
- the name of his/her insurance company and policy number
- the make, model, and license plate number of their car
- details of their driving license
Make sure the person owns the car they were driving, and if you’re too unwell to take the information ask someone else to do it for you. Also, don’t forget to take the contact information of any witnesses at the scene. These people could be crucial in backing up your version of events later on.
If possible, get them to verbally recite their account of the event while you record them on your phone. The advantage here is that everything will still be fresh in their minds.
Take Photos Of The Scene
If you’re able, take photos of the accident scene with your phone. Be sure to get pictures of any damage to both vehicles, skid marks on the road, car debris, nearby landmarks, and anything else that might be relevant. If poor road conditions may have contributed to the accident (e.g. potholes, overhanging trees, loose gravel, poor lighting) take photos of those as well. If you have a GoPro or dash cam, check to see if there’s any footage that could be helpful.
It’s also wise to take pictures of your own injuries at the accident site as this could support your claim for pain, suffering, and trauma.
Compile Your Legal Claim
If you plan to file a personal injury lawsuit after a road accident, you’ll need to collate the supporting documents. This includes:
- police reports
- witness statements
- photographic evidence
- medical records
- bills related to the accident
- proof of loss of earnings
Personal injury law is complex and requires specific knowledge and experience. A lawyer who specializes in this area will be able to navigate the legal system on your behalf and ensure that you have the best chance of success.
Let Your Lawyer Communicate With The Insurance Companies
After you’ve been in a serious car accident, the last thing you want to deal with is the insurance companies. If you employ a personal injury lawyer they can handle all of that for you. They’ll know how to negotiate and get you the best possible financial settlement. They’ll also be able to answer any questions that the insurance adjusters may have.
It’s important to remember that you should never give a recorded statement to an insurance company or sign any documents without first consulting with your attorney. Insurance companies don’t like losing money so they’ll use tactics to trip you up or avoid paying out.
By applying all these helpful tips you’ll be able to protect your rights and ensure the best possible outcome. Then you can focus on receiving medical treatment and recovering from your injuries. At the same time, you’ll have the funds needed to do it.
