If you've been involved in a car accident, the actions you take can determine whether or not you'll be adequately compensated for your injuries and damages. Here are three steps you should take that will help ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Get a Copy of the Police Report
If the other party has already admitted fault, you might think that you're not going to need the police report. Unfortunately, that's not exactly true. In fact, the police report is going to provide you with a great deal of valuable information regarding the accident. For instance, it will provide the name and insurance information for the other driver. It will also identify any witnesses that the investigating officer spoke to at the scene. This information will be important when you file your accident claim.
Go to the Doctor
Whether you think you're seriously injured, or not, you need to go to the doctor. Many injuries won't be evident for several hours, or even days, after an accident. Part of the reason for this is because of the adrenaline that your body releases immediately after the accident.
An adrenaline rush can mask the pain associated with injuries, making it nearly impossible for you to know that you've been injured. Failure to go to the doctor after an accident can leave your health in jeopardy. Not only that, but if you don't go to the doctor, the insurance company can argue that you aren't entitled to compensation for injuries.
Speak to an Attorney
If you've been in a car accident, you need to speak to an attorney. An attorney will be able to tell you when to speak to the insurance company and what to say when you do speak to them. They can also make sure that you don't miss important deadlines when it comes to filing an accident claim.
When you speak to your attorney, be sure to be open and honest about the accident. They'll need to know all the details, including things that you might have done wrong, such as texting prior to the accident. Even if you think certain information isn't important, share it anyway. It's better for your attorney to know all of the information in advance than to have to deal with surprises later on.
If you've been involved in a car accident, don't take chances. Use the information provided here to avoid making mistakes that could jeopardize your accident claim. If you have other questions or concerns, be sure to speak to your attorney as soon as possible.
