What happens after an accident can be overwhelming. Individuals do not have to tackle the process alone. Personal injury law firms have specialists who can help you navigate the paperwork, phone calls, and legal procedures.
If an insurance company is involved, they will likely be asking you for documentation. It is often a good idea to speak with a personal injury attorney before taking any action with an insurance company. They do not have your best interest in mind. Here are some steps you can take during and after an incident.
During an Accident
The first thing to do is tend to any medical emergencies. If you or another party in your group can gather some information, it would be helpful to your case. Start by talking to witnesses, and if possible, get their name and contact information. Take pictures of the scene, any damage, the vehicles, and the surrounding area. Some particular details to capture are the involved automobiles and license plates, tire marks, and the weather. Photograph any bruises and scrapes also.
After the Accident
Contact a personal injury lawyer before speaking to the other side’s representatives. Most law offices will not charge you for the consultation, and it can give you peace of mind to move forward.
Keep paperwork relating to any medical treatment you receive. If bruises or other conditions appear in the following days, take pictures of them and discuss them with a medical professional if they are concerning. If the physician prescribes you any medication, keep that paperwork also.
Insurance Companies
These organizations have teams of lawyers working on their behalf, and they often make it appear that they are asking you to sign something that is routine. Before you accept anything or sign any paperwork from these entities, you should understand that you may be giving up future rights or releasing medical records.
In some instances, you might receive a check in the mail, and if you cash it, you may have inadvertently ended your claim. Their lawyers can use many legal tactics, so to be safe, you should protect yourself by contacting your own advocate.
Time
After an incident, the clock starts ticking. The courts establish statutes of limitation so that an incident cannot linger on indefinitely. Most people do not know the timeframes they must act in. If you do not respond in a timely manner, you may forfeit your rights to any compensation. Some possible deadlines you should be aware of are damage inspections and medical documentation.
Other Details
Taking care of any immediate injuries is paramount, and making sure those are paid for is vital. The other party’s plan could cover many other conditions that you may not be aware of. You cannot depend on the other person’s insurance company to advise you of them either.
Other conditions that you might receive additional compensation for are time off work, pain, and suffering. There may be damages due to a spouse or domestic partner also. These finer details can be complex, but an experienced personal injury law firm can help you determine if there are other nonmedical conditions to address.
Common Injuries
Some people are not aware that they are victims. If pain or other symptoms are mild at first, individuals often do not know that they should be documenting their experiences. Here are four common conditions a personal injury lawyer handles.
- Falls
When a business or government does not properly maintain its grounds, it can cause someone to fall. If an owner fails to keep up their property, it can create hazardous conditions, and you could accidentally become a victim of their neglect. Falls or accidents that happen inside a personal residence can be compensated for too. - Intentional Behavior
If a person intentionally tries to harm you or damage your property, they are committing a crime. The court also allows a person to sue another if they were injured when the other person was trying to hurt someone else and you inadvertently became the target. - Medical
There are several layers to personal medical injuries. One of them is malpractice, which is when a physician or clinic makes a grievous error. Drug companies fall under this category too. These entities have safety standards they must meet, and when they fail to do so, they could become liable for damages. - Motor Accidents
Motor accidents cover more than just cars and trucks. Other motorized vehicles that fall under this category are motorcycles, recreational vehicles, and boats.
Loss or Injury
You might be wondering what constitutes an injury. Here is a brief breakdown, but it is not a complete list.
- Back or Neck Injury – This might include the spine, bones, and muscles.
- Brain or Head Injury – A brain injury might involve a concussion or brain damage.
- Burns – Burns can be disfiguring, painful, and cause extensive suffering.
- Limbs – Limb injuries run the gamut from broken bones to amputation.
Personal injury claims are complex, and consulting with a personal injury attorney is the best way to make sure you and your family are protected.
