Unfortunately, it has happened or will happen to almost everyone: through no fault of your own, your vehicle has been struck by someone else’s and you have been hurt. Auto accidents inevitably create an incredibly stressful situation, but there are several things you can do to help ensure the best outcome in the event that you pursue a personal injury claim.
- Call 911 so you and others at the scene can receive immediate medical attention, if necessary. If you need to resolve the issue, with the help of attorneys, you can get in touch with social security disability attorneys. If no one involved needs emergency treatment, it is still important for the police to document the circumstances of the accident and facilitate the exchange of information. If you are hurt but do not think immediate medical attention is required, explain that to the police on scene so that it can be noted in the officer’s report.
- Document the damage caused to your vehicle by taking photographs and later obtaining a professional estimate of the damage. While the claim for damage to your vehicle is separate from your personal injury claim, it is an important element in establishing the severity of the collision and therefore the validity of your injury claim. It is also helpful to take your own pictures of the accident scene. Calling in the personal injury attorneys in Bangor area is a great idea when it comes to accident and injury cases.
- Begin or continue the medical treatment you need as soon after the accident as possible. Due to the nature of “whiplash” injuries, symptoms do not always appear immediately; it is important to seek treatment as soon as you realize you have been hurt. It is also important to avoid significant gaps in treatment and to continue treatment as prescribed until you have recovered as fully as possible.
- Do not provide a statement to any insurance company other than your own. It is important to notify your own insurance company of the accident and cooperate with them, but you should refrain from speaking to any other insurance company or other parties involved without first consulting with an attorney. The insurance company of the at-fault driver has interests that are directly opposed to yours, and will be working to settle your case as quickly and cheaply as possible.
- If you have been injured in an accident that was not your fault, it is important that you consult an attorney as soon after the accident as possible. Attorneys are not necessary in all situations, but they can protect important rights in a personal injury case. For example, based on the information given by personal injury law firm based in Tampa, FL area at-fault insurance companies often try to settle cases of persons not represented by an attorney as quickly as possible, sometimes before the full extent of their injuries is even known. At such an early stage, it is usually impossible to even determine what a fair settlement amount might be. Personal injury cases resulting from auto accidents do usually settle without litigation, but not before medical treatment has concluded and the extent of the injured person’s damages can be calculated. People can also hire attorney for wrongful death cases from The Law Offices of Thomas J. Lavin
If you have been injured in an auto accident, contact The Carroll Law Firm at 623-551-9366 for a free consultation. For those in the North Valley, we are conveniently located in Anthem, just off I-17.
