After seeking medical attention following a car accident, call a personal injury lawyer.
With their help, you can more efficiently navigate the claims process to ensure you receive maximum compensation for all damages and losses.
However, you can take more than just this vital step to ensure a successful claim.
At Bailey & Galyen, we have helped countless accident survivors navigate the process. Our process has provided valuable insight into what you can do to help your case.
Read on to learn how to best protect your rights and interests with the help of an experienced car accident lawyer from our award-winning personal injury law firm.
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Critical Steps to Take After Car Accidents
After any car accident, follow the basic steps to ensure everyone’s safety and well-being:
- Check for injuries: Check yourself and others involved for any injuries. If the accident injured anyone, call 911 immediately for medical assistance.
- Move to a safe location: If the accident occurred on a busy road or highway, move your vehicle to the side of the road if possible. This will prevent further accidents and allow traffic to flow freely.
- Contact the police: Always contact the police after a car accident, even if it seems minor. They will create an official report of the incident, which documents crucial evidence for your personal injury claim.
- Exchange information: Make sure to exchange insurance and contact information with the other driver(s) involved in the accident. You need this information to file a claim and obtain compensation for damages.
- Document the scene: If possible, photograph the accident scene, including any vehicle damage and injuries sustained. This can strengthen your case when filing a claim.
- Notify your insurance company: They may require you to file specific documents or forms to secure compensation.
- Contact a car accident lawyer: The moment an accident occurs, you have a limited amount of time to file a claim for compensation. The sooner you get a lawyer involved, the better your chances are of receiving a fair and just settlement for all damages and losses.
Additionally, you should avoid admitting fault at the accident scene. They can use phrases such as “I’m sorry” against you in a personal injury claim.
What to Do in the Days and Weeks Following a Car Accident?
You can do more to help your case following a car accident, including:
- Keep track of expenses: Carefully document all costs related to the accident, such as medical bills, car repairs, and lost wages. This will help your lawyer accurately calculate the total damages when filing a claim.
- Follow up with medical treatment: If you sustained any injuries in the accident, you must follow up with any recommended medical treatment. This ensures your health and well-being while providing valuable evidence for a personal injury claim.
- Inform your lawyer of developments: Keep your lawyer updated on any new developments or changes in your case. They can provide guidance on how to proceed and take all necessary steps to protect your rights.
- Be cautious of insurance companies: Always deal cautiously with insurance companies, as they may try to offer a low settlement or deny your claim altogether. Consult your lawyer before accepting any offers or providing statements.
- Stay off social media: Avoid posting about the accident or any injuries on social media. Insurance companies may use this information against you to discredit your claim.
These critical steps can ensure a successful personal injury claim and the best possible outcome for your case.
Obstacles to Performing Essential Tasks After a Car Accident
You may not be able to perform all of the above-mentioned essential tasks following a car accident.
Some obstacles that may arise:
- Catastrophic injuries: If you or others involved in the accident sustained catastrophic injuries, you may find it hard to follow up with medical treatment and keep track of expenses.
- Emotional distress: The traumatic experience of a car accident can leave individuals emotionally overwhelmed, making it challenging to handle the necessary steps for a personal injury claim.
- Lack of knowledge or resources: Without prior knowledge or resources, navigating the claims process can overwhelm and confuse accident survivors. This is where an experienced lawyer can make all the difference.
- Hit-and-run accidents: In cases where the other driver flees the scene and you cannot obtain their information for a claim, a skilled lawyer can explore other options for seeking compensation.
No matter the obstacle, a car accident lawyer can alleviate the stress and protect your rights throughout the claims process.
What to Do After a Car Accident Resulting in Wrongful Death?
When a car accident causes a death, the victim obviously cannot take any post-accident steps on their own behalf.
In these situations, surviving family members can protect their claim to compensation by:
- Contacting a lawyer: Surviving family members should contact a skilled car accident lawyer as soon as possible to discuss their options for compensation.
- Obtaining police reports: The official police report of the accident can document crucial evidence in a wrongful death case. Family members or advising counsel can obtain a copy of this report.
- Documenting damages: Track any expenses related to the accident, including funeral costs and income loss. This can help accurately calculate the total amount of damages incurred.
Losing a loved one in a car accident is an unimaginable tragedy. However, taking legal action can provide some financial relief and justice for your loved one’s untimely passing.
Why Should I Not Handle a Car Accident Claim on My Own?
It may initially seem like you can handle the accident and resulting damages on your own. However, this is not always the case.
Firstly, the extent of car accident injuries do not always immediately appear. Some injuries may take days or weeks to present themselves, by which time too much evidence may have disappeared for you to seek damages.
Additionally, insurance companies take advantage of unrepresented claimants, working to diminish or deny their claims entirely. Without experienced legal support combatting their tactics, you may not receive the full compensation you deserve.
Lastly, handling a car accident claim alone, while at the same time dealing with the physical and emotional injuries of the accident, can cause overwhelming stress. By enlisting the help of an experienced lawyer, you can focus on your recovery while they handle the legal aspects of your claim.
What Happens After I File a Car Accident Claim?
Understanding the process of a car accident claim can ease any anxieties or concerns.
After filing a claim with your insurance company, the following steps typically occur:
- Investigation: The insurance company will investigate to determine liability for the accident.
- Negotiations: Your lawyer will negotiate with insurance adjusters or defending counsel to obtain a fair settlement for damages and losses.
- Settlement or trial: If both parties agree, they may reach a settlement. If not, the case may go to trial, where a judge or jury will decide on compensation.
- Payment: Once you receive a settlement or a trial verdict, you will receive payment for your damages.
This process can take varying amounts of time, depending on the case’s complexity. A car accident lawyer handles every step effectively and efficiently to achieve the best possible outcome for your claim.
When Will I Know How Much My Car Accident Claim Is Worth?
The value of a car accident claim is based on the severity of injuries, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Unfortunately, nobody learns this information within a set timeline.
Sometimes, insurance companies may rush to offer you a lowball settlement immediately after an accident.
However, consult a lawyer before accepting any settlement offers. They can determine the true value of your claim and fight for fair compensation.
If your case goes to trial, the judge or jury will determine the amount of compensation based on evidence and arguments presented by both sides. This can also vary depending on the specific circumstances of your case.
Ultimately, by trusting an experienced car accident lawyer, you can feel confident that the value of your claim will be accurately calculated and expeditiously pursued.
Post-Car-Accident FAQs
How long do I have to file a car accident claim?
The statute of limitations for filing a car accident claim varies depending on where you live, but a typical time period is two years. This timeframe can pass quickly when accident injuries require months or years to heal and before you know how much compensation you need to seek. Therefore, act quickly and consult a lawyer as soon as possible after an accident.
What if the other driver does not have insurance?
If the other driver is uninsured or underinsured, your own insurance policy may provide coverage through uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. Your lawyer can help you navigate this process and pursue all available options for compensation.
Can I still file a claim if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Yes, even if you were partially at fault for the accident, you may still file a claim. However, the compensation you receive may be reduced based on your percentage of fault.
How much does it cost to hire a car accident lawyer?
Car accident lawyers charge a contingency fee to ensure that no one is without experienced legal support due to a lack of financial means. This allows injured parties to pursue their claims free of excess financial burdens.
Do I have to tell my insurance company about the accident?
Yes, you must inform your insurance company about the accident, even if you were not at fault. Failure to do so may result in complications or denial of coverage for your claim. We can handle those communications for you.
Contact Bailey & Galyen Car Accident Lawyers Immediately After a Collision
The steps you take after a car accident will significantly influence the outcome of your claim.
By contacting a Texas personal injury lawyer from a law firm with experience in handling car accident cases, like Bailey & Galyen, you can ensure that your rights are protected and that proper legal action is taken.
Don’t wait – contact us today for a free consultation in English or Spanish.
