A car accident can cause some of the most severe injuries imaginable. However, after it happens, you need to ensure you take specific steps that help you file a claim to seek compensation for the damages you sustain. There are some aspects to consider after a crash that can help you build a successful claim.
At 'MAGGIO LAW, we aim to help you recognize your rights after a crash. We want you to be able to pursue rightful compensation and hold negligent parties accountable. Because of that, we want to provide you an in-depth look at the things you should do after you experience a crash.
The 7 steps you can take to help build your case include:
- Call a lawyer
- Report the crash
- Exchange information
- Take photos
- Talk to witnesses
- Get medical care
- Know your rights
If you suffer an injury in a car accident, know that we’ve got your back. Call us today at (601) 265-6869 for a free consultation.
1. Call a Lawyer
One of your first calls should be to a lawyer who can help you file a claim with your insurance company. Unfortunately, as much as you want insurance companies to look out for you after a crash, several large corporations prioritize profit over people. As a result, they are often quick to find any reason to deny a claim or minimize the compensation you may recover for your injuries.
However, you can strengthen your case immediately with a lawyer on your side. An attorney knows all of the tactics that insurance adjusters use when injured parties file a claim. Having legal counsel means:
- Help with utilizing witnesses and evidence in a case
- Maximizing your case’s value
- Protection from insurance adjusters and the company’s legal team
- Guidance along every step of the process
2. Report the Crash
Law enforcement can play a significant role in a crash’s aftermath. They should be at the accident scene when property damage occurs or when someone suffers injury. When law enforcement officers come to the location, they can bring emergency medical technicians and help treat your injuries.
Law enforcement officers will also take a detailed report about your crash, including statements from all available parties. Of course, the police report won’t say who is at fault in the collision. Still, it can help your attorney build your claim and provide vital information to show insurance adjusters or a jury what happened to cause your crash and subsequent injuries.
3. Exchange Information
It can be daunting to approach a driver you feel is responsible for your injuries, but it’s a necessary aspect after a car accident. You should speak with the other driver and exchange valuable information to start your claim. Some of the information you should exchange include:
- Driver’s license
- Contact information
- Insurance information
You should provide all of the obtained information to your legal team so that they can begin the process of filing a claim. The more information you have, the better it is for your case.
4. Take Photos
It’s hard to argue against photos. Pictures can provide evidence for your case, especially if you take the right ones. Before you leave the accident scene, here are a few of the photos that you need to take to help build your case:
- Pictures showing the accident scene, including signs of negligence, tire marks, missing traffic signs, etc.
- Pictures showing vehicle damage, including both vehicles and the damage location on the cars.
- Pictures showing visible injuries, including your damage and those suffered by passengers in your vehicle.
The more photos you take, the more your lawyer can utilize resources — such as accident reconstructionists — who can use the pictures to show how the accident may have occurred.
5. Talk to Witnesses
While many insurance adjusters will try to discredit witnesses, they are still essential to have. Witnesses can provide statements to show how they saw the accident occur. When you speak with the witness, make sure to get the following:
- Their name and contact information
- Their written statement
- Their signature and date on the statement
6. Get Medical Care
Your top priority should be your health and well-being. Getting treatment for a severe injury should be something you do soon after the crash occurs. Even if you don’t feel your injuries immediately, it helps to see a doctor and receive a proper diagnosis about your condition.
A doctor can provide a medical report for your case, showing how severe your injuries are and what the prognosis looks like to recover. Your compensation can change based on your injury’s severity and how long it may take for you to recover.
7. Know Your Rights
Above all else, you should know your rights. Know what not to say after a crash and the most effective way to move forward. You have the right to legal counsel, compensation, and fair treatment. The steps you take help to safeguard those rights with a lawyer on your side.
Our Jackson car accident lawyers at 'MAGGIO LAW go above the call of duty to build a strong case on your behalf. We have a long history of representing injured clients through complex matters to pursue the most favorable outcome possible. You can count on us to take on negligence on your behalf, helping you every step of the way to seek the compensation you deserve.
For a free consultation, call our firm today at (601) 265-6869 or fill out an online form. We’ll be your beacon of hope after a severe accident.