Car accidents are an all-too-common occurrence that can be traumatic, both physically and mentally. In these circumstances, it’s important to put yourself first and safeguard your interests. This applies whether it was a rideshare accident, vehicle collision, or something else. In this article, we’ll provide you with some essential advice for dealing with a car accident.
Remain Calm
Accidents can be emotionally charged, but it’s important to keep your cool as much as possible. Panic or anger may lead to hasty decisions that could make the situation worse. One way to remain calm is by taking deep breaths and focusing on something else besides the accident. This could involve counting backward from 100 or thinking about a hobby or interest. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, talk to someone on the phone so they can distract you from the situation.
Staying calm can set a positive tone for interactions with others. This includes drivers involved in the accident, and any law enforcement officers who may be responding. Communicating clearly and calmly will help everyone work together more efficiently toward resolving any issues arising from the accident.
Work With an Attorney
A legal professional can navigate you through the complex legal process and ensure that your rights are constantly protected. When choosing someone, make sure they:
- specialize in personal injury law
- are familiar with the local laws and procedures
- have a track record of success
Your lawyer should be able to assess the strength of your case and determine what damages you may be entitled to (e.g. medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering). They may also be able to estimate how much money you could be paid if your claim succeeds.
Working with an attorney can take some of the stress off your shoulders and allow you to focus on recovering from your injuries. It may be that your incident occurred in Palm Beach County, Florida. If so, a personal injury attorney in West Palm Beach could provide a free and non-obligatory consultation. They can explain what to do if you were partially responsible for your injury, and discuss things like negligence, damages, and Statutes of Limitations.
Prioritize Medical Attention
Even if you feel fine and don’t see any visible injuries, it’s important to get checked out by a medical professional. Adrenaline can mask pain and physical symptoms, and some injuries don’t immediately manifest themselves (e.g. whiplash). Prioritizing medical attention can ensure that any injuries are caught early on, preventing complications down the line.
If there were others involved in the accident, make sure they receive medical attention as well. If anyone’s unconscious or has serious injuries, call 911 immediately. When you receive a doctor’s assessment, a medical file will be created, describing the incident. Later, you’ll need to document all medical treatments received and retain all invoices. This will be important for insurance purposes and any personal injury claim.
Gather Evidence
Firstly, you should get the other driver’s details (including their name, contact information, license number, and insurance details). Also, take photos or videos of the scene of the accident and any damages caused to both cars.
Next, obtain the contact details of any witnesses who were present during the accident. These individuals could be important if they’re willing to testify on your behalf later on. Additionally, take note of the time and location of the accident, as well as the weather/road conditions. If the Police attend the accident scene, take their details so you can later request a copy of their report.
Notify Your Insurance Company
You should report the accident as soon as possible, so that the claims process can begin. A delay in reporting may lead to complications and even denial of coverage. Make sure you have all the necessary documentation to hand.
When contacting your insurance company, be honest about what happened. Stick to the facts and avoid making assumptions or guesses about who was responsible for the accident. Your insurance provider will investigate thoroughly before making a decision on coverage.
Tell Your Employer If You Were Traveling For Work
This should be done as soon as possible, regardless of the severity of the accident. Your employer needs to know so that they can ensure any repairs are made, and that you receive any medical attention needed. A claim for Workers’ Compensation can then begin, to compensate you for expenses such as medical fees and lost wages.
Your employer may also need to contact clients or other stakeholders who’ll be impacted by the accident (e.g. if you have meetings booked). This can safeguard the operations of your company and help maintain its professional reputation. Additionally, it demonstrates your commitment to the company and its business interests.
Let Your Lawyer Deal With The Insurance Companies
Insurance adjusters are trained professionals, and their primary goal is to save the company money. They may ask you for a statement so they can trip you up. This would be designed to reduce the amount of money they pay out, or avoid doing so altogether.
Your lawyer, on the other hand, has your best interests at heart. They’ll work tirelessly to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages. They’ll have experience negotiating with insurance companies and will tell you which offers to decline or accept.
Be Prepared For The Claim To Go To Court
During personal injury claims, there’s always the possibility that the issue may end up going to court. This is especially true if there are disagreements about who was at fault or how much compensation should be paid.
If you’ve appointed an attorney to be your legal representative, they’ll be your voice during proceedings. If they’re local and have plenty of legal experience, they’ll be well-placed to secure a successful outcome.
Thanks to these essential tips you’ll be able to put yourself first while your lawyer does the legal work. You’ll hopefully gain justice in the end, and receive the compensation you deserve. Then you can pay your bills, focus on making a full recovery and look forward to a bright future.
