If you are involved in a car accident, you have the right to ask for compensation for any injuries – physical, emotional, of property, and so on. Naturally, the first thing you’ll do to make sure that you are given such compensation is to look for car accident attorneys, as they can help you receive rightful compensation.
However, you must not fully rely on either the insurance company that should compensate you or your attorney. Obviously, we refer to the things you can do to protect your legal claim.
Some of these are to be done before you talk with an attorney. They can prove very helpful if the insurance company decides to delay or deny any compensation, based on the fact that you don’t have enough evidence or such.
Therefore, here are some tips that can help you protect your legal claim after a car accident.
Involve the Authorities
Even in the case of a minor accident, you should call the police as soon as possible after the accident. It might seem like you are taking things a bit too far, but you are not – you are just making sure that any suffered damages will be compensated.
How? Well, through the official reports that the police officers will write. The report will prove the authenticity of the accident, as well as helping to establish the facts.
Take Pictures and Get Information
It is important that you do not leave the accident scene without taking pictures of everything that might prove useful, the contact information of the other driver, as well as their insurance number, and contact information/names of any witnesses.
In terms of pictures, you should photograph any type of damage brought to the vehicle, the vehicles’ positions, skid marks, any damage brought to your body, road conditions, and so on.
Go See a Doctor
If you think you’ve been injured in any way, you should see a doctor immediately. Just as in the case of the report written by the authorities, the doctors/ medical professionals will write an official report of your injuries, if any, which can prove useful in protecting your legal claim.
Moreover, if your state has Personal Injury Protection, the bills for the initial visits and treatment are covered. Thus, it is better to take advantage of them, not only for your health but for the protection of your legal claim as well.
Do Not Give Recorded Statements
You should definitely avoid giving any sort of recorded statement to the insurance company or any of its representatives without consulting with your lawyer first.
If you are required to give any statements, your lawyer will help you prepare them. As a matter of fact, it is better if you don’t do anything without their guidance – as they represent your interests and will make sure that you get the rightful compensation.
Final Thoughts
If you want to receive a fair settlement after a car accident, it is important that you avoid doing any mistakes.
Besides the things you should do as soon as possible after the accident, such as gathering information and contact info, you should not take any other action without talking and/or asking the advice of an experienced car accident attorney.
