(Newswire.net — January 16, 2024) — Being in an accident is nothing to look forward to. On the contrary, suddenly finding yourself injured and dealing with medical appointments while being unable to go to work, can feel overwhelming. To top this off, you will likely have to deal with your insurance company to get your medical expenses and other losses covered. At some point, you may feel like you have no other option than to reach out to an auto accident attorney to get help with your claim so that you can focus on recovering your health. Here are some other important steps you should take to preserve your legal rights after an accident and be able to successfully navigate the insurance claims process.
Gather Evidence
When you find yourself involved in an accident, you should attempt to keep your cool and collect evidence while at the scene. Start by taking pictures of yourself and your injuries, as well as of the cars, their damage, and their position on the road. Photograph anything that might have contributed to the crash like uneven pavement, debris on the road, an oil spill, or overhanging branches. Also, exchange information with the other driver including their driver’s license and insurance policy. When the police arrive, get a copy of the accident report.
Get Prompt Medical Attention
No matter how insignificant you may believe your injuries to be, it is essential to get a full medical checkup after an accident. The doctor needs to make sure that there are no internal injuries of which you may be unaware and also to make it clear that your injuries are the direct result of the accident.
Let Your Insurance Company Know
Call the insurance company and let them know about the accident. They will want to verify what happened, who is liable for the accident, and what your claim is worth. Monitor the status of your claim and provide the insurance company with any additional documents they may request but be prepared to negotiate and never accept the first amount they offer until you have had a chance to talk it over with your accident attorney.
Expect a Call from an Insurance Adjuster
It is a routine part of the process to have an insurance adjuster reach out to you. Have information ready so that you can answer all their questions. Research the market value of your vehicle, get a quote from an authorized repair shop as to how much the repairs will cost, and get a detailed amount for the medical expenses you have already paid and the ones that you will have to pay in the future. Also, keep tabs on the income you have lost while being unable to go back to work. Remember to always act politely with the adjuster since they are just trying to do their job and it will be counterproductive to get on their bad side.
Contact an Accident Attorney
The insurance company may try to pressure you into accepting a low offer which will be insufficient to cover your losses. Having an experienced legal negotiator by your side may yield completely different results. An accident attorney is familiar with personal injury law and will even the playing field when it comes to dealing with an insurance company and their army of lawyers.