Auto accidents can make for chaotic and overwhelming experiences, not only when it comes to the initial aftermath of a wreck, but also when victims and families must deal with the short- and long-term consequences of recovering and rebuilding their lives. Although auto accidents can be devastating, it bears reminding that victims injured in preventable wrecks will have the right to hold the responsible party accountable. This makes it important to understand the steps you should be taking after a crash that can ensure you are protecting your rights.
At Ovadia Law Group, our Boca Raton car accident attorneys have fought for the rights of injured victims and their loved ones following all types of auto accidents. Over the years, we have seen how difficult it is when victims are forced to deal with an auto wreck, especially when they never expected one to happen. While no one wants to be involved in an accident, knowing what to do and how to protect your rights can make all the difference.
When it comes to being involved in an auto accident, here are a few critical steps you can take. Remember, all car accidents are unique, and circumstances in your case may impact what you are able to do following a crash, especially if immediate medical attention is required. Still, becoming familiar with some general steps can help you in the event of a crash that may be grounds for a personal injury claim.
6 Steps to take after an auto accident:
- Call the police Reporting an accident not only ensures that injured victims receive any medical attention they may need, but also helps protect you in the event that you choose to file a personal injury claim. A police officer can collect information and statements from all involved parties, including witnesses, and compile it into a police report. This report can prove useful for your claim, as it may detail the facts of what happened and shed light on who can be held at fault.
- Collect information If you are able to do so, collect as much evidence and information as you can. This includes gathering all contact, driver’s license, and insurance information of any drivers involved in your wreck. You can also gather witness contact information if anyone saw the collision. Additionally, you can take photographs of the scene of the accident, including photographs of vehicle damage, and any visible injuries you might have.
- Get timely medical treatment Whether you were transported to a hospital, received medical attention at the scene of the crash, or did not think you needed medical attention at the time, you should always seek a follow up or initial medical evaluation as soon as possible. Doing so is important to your health, as there may be injuries you are not aware of or injuries that may be more serious than you initially thought. Seeking timely medical treatment also protects you during the personal injury claim process, as insurance providers commonly point out when a victim waits too long to seek medical care as a sign that they were not really hurt, even if you were in pain all along.
- Don’t trust the insurance company Insurance companies are unfortunately not on your side. They are large corporations that are more concerned with their bottom lines, and they will leverage extensive resources to shift blame away from their policy holders and pay as little as possible. This means they may quickly try to settle a claim for far less than you deserve, or dispute liability. By working with personal injury lawyers who has the experience and resources to create a level playing field with big business that puts profits over people, you can effectively fight back against them.
- Know your rights Knowing your legal rights is essential to protecting them. After you are injured by another’s negligence, such as a negligent driver, you have the right to hold them liable for the damages you incurred. This means when their negligence causes an accident that should have been prevented, a personal injury claim can hold them accountable for your medical expenses, lost income from missing work, future costs of medical care, pain and suffering, and other economic and noneconomic damages.
- Talk to a lawyer When you depend on financial compensation to cover your expenses and damages, it is critical to have the help of a legal professional who understand the process, how insurance companies handle claims, and how to best approach a strategy for securing the maximum compensation possible. Our personal injury lawyers focus on personal injury, auto accident, and insurance claims we know how they work. We leverage this insight when guiding clients through unfamiliar proceedings and toward the results they deserve.
Regardless of what happens after a wreck or what steps you may or may not take, you can still work to protect your rights by speaking with an attorney from Ovadia Law Group. Our attorneys are dedicated to fighting for the rights of our clients, and we do everything possible to ensure they have the support and representation they need.
Our legal team is readily available to discuss your case and what we can do to help you pursue a full and fair financial recovery. Contact us today for a FREE consultation.
