Being involved in an auto accident is never easy – and being injured can be downright frightening. Whatever the situation or underlying cause of an accident may be, it is important to remember that what you say and do in the immediate aftermath of a collision can have a large impact on the final outcome of your personal injury case, should you choose to file a claim.
Because Knowles Law Firm, PLC wants to help local residents protect themselves and their right to financial compensation after an accident, our legal team has put together a list of some helpful things you can do after being involved in a traffic crash.
Exchange Information
After an accident, your should always exchange information with all other parties involved, including contact information, license plate numbers, driver's license numbers, and insurance information. These are crucially important to a personal injury claim, and without them, you will have a difficult if not impossible time making a case.
Call Police
Although you may feel as though there's no need to alert authorities, it's a good idea to call the police after an accident. Police officers can oversee the situation and provide any immediate help. They can also take a third-party objective police report of what happened, gather stories from involved parties, and record contact information.
Collect Evidence
If you are able to do so, try to collect as much evidence as possible after an accident. You can do this by taking photos and videos of the scene, any property damage, and any visible injuries. Also take photos of the license plates of all vehicles involved, the general setting and road conditions, any signs or signals nearby, and other things you feel may be important.
Seek Medical Attention
The human body doesn't always react to trauma as we expect, which means that it may be difficult to tell how you've been injured or that you won't feel pain until several hours or even days have passed. To protect your health and your future injury claim, it is best to seek timely medical attention as soon as possible after an accident. This will provide a clear record of the injuries caused by your accident and won't raise questions as to why you waited so long to see a doctor.
Don't Trust Insurance Companies
Don't be misled into believing that the insurance companies will fairly and fully compensate you. They're in business to make money, not pay victims. Instead, be wary of offers from the insurance companies, don't settle too early, and don't speak with insurance representatives without first consulting a lawyer. They may try to get you to admit fault or say something that would minimize your claim.
Call an Attorney
One of the wisest things you can do after suffering harm in an auto accident is to contact an experienced injury lawyer. By seeking legal help as soon as possible, you can learn more about your legal rights, whether you may be entitled to compensation, and how the lawyer can help guide you through the personal injury claim process. At Knowles Law Firm, PLC, our attorneys know how to deal with insurance companies and they know how to fight for the compensation you deserve.
If you have questions about your rights after a car accident and how our team of Phoenix personal injury lawyers can help you, contact Knowles Law Firm, PLC for a personalized case review.