A car crash happens in the blink of an eye and leaves long-lasting negative effects. Some victims lose their lives; others are left with severe injuries and mounting medical care bills. As an experienced Decatur car accident lawyer knows, it is never easy keeping calm and taking the right actions after a collision.
However, you need to do it if you want to protect your legal rights and obtain the maximum compensation you are entitled to. Here is a guide to the necessary steps to take in the aftermath of a car crash.
1. Call 9-1-1 to Report the Accident and Ask for an Ambulance If You Have Severe Injuries
After you assess your condition and that of the passengers in your car, your first duty is to report the accident to the police. If you or anyone else appears severely injured, ask for an ambulance.
Remain at the accident scene until police officers arrive to interview both drivers involved in the crash and investigate the area.
2. Gather Evidence for Your Future Accident Claim
While you are waiting for the police officers to arrive, use the time wisely to document the accident scene with photos and videos. Also, exchange insurance information with the other driver.
Do not forget to look for any eyewitnesses and ask them to give you a short statement and their contact details. Moreover, look for any traffic cameras or CCTV cameras in the area. They could have recorded your accident and your attorney can obtain a copy of this valuable piece of evidence.
3. Seek Medical Attention and Follow the Treatment Plan
Many accident victims know that they must go to the nearest hospital after the crash in order to prove causation in their Decatur car accident claim. However, some of them will not follow the doctor’s recommendation to the letter. They do not refill prescriptions. They skip treatment appointments and physical therapy sessions.
All these actions are just as damaging to your claim as a delay in seeing a doctor. An insurance adjuster will readily claim that you were surely not that badly injured if you stopped your treatments. Thus, the adjuster will deny a significant part of your economic damages, as well as damages for pain and suffering.
4. Do Not Talk to an Insurance Adjuster
Before you have the chance to consult with a Decatur car accident lawyer, you will likely get a visit or a call from an insurance adjuster. They represent the at-fault driver’s insurance company and have one goal: to prevent you from filing an accident claim.
To do this, they will use various tactics:
- Offering a lowball amount as a quick settlement
- Telling you that you are at fault and cannot file a claim
- Asking you many questions that confuse you and make you admit fault or contradict yourself.
This is why you should refrain from talking to an adjuster without a lawyer by your side. Tell them that your attorney will reach out to them to start the claim process.
5. Get a Copy of the Accident Report
The police officers who investigated your accident will prepare a detailed official report. It contains many useful details, such as:
- Both drivers’ contact and insurance details
- Diagram showing damages to each of the cars
- The police officers’ observations and findings
- Statements and contact details of eyewitnesses.
You can request your Decatur car accident report online by filling in a form. You can receive your copy by email, in person, by mail, or by fax. Make sure you bring it to your first appointment with an attorney.
Consult with a Skilled Decatur Car Accident Lawyer!
When you are released from the hospital and your doctor says that it is safe to go out and about, get in touch with The Weinstein Firm. An experienced Decatur car accident lawyer will examine the available evidence and give you a reliable legal opinion about the strength of your case.
If you have a valid accident claim, we will represent you on a contingency fee basis – no fees until we win your fair settlement. Also, as a new client, we offer you a free case evaluation.
Call us today at 770-HELP-NOW!