Fighting Fearlessly For Your Rights

Protect Yourself After Being in a Car Accident

| Aug 18, 2016 | Firm News

Millions of people are involved in motor vehicles accidents in the United States each year, resulting in fatalities as well as serious injuries. In 2009, there were more than 5.5 million car accidents in the U.S., which resulted in 31,000 deaths and nearly two million injuries. For those injured in a car accident, it is immensely important to be aware of the appropriate steps to take afterward to protect yourself from further harm. Too often, car crash victims are taken advantage of during their time of need or their rights are violated without their knowledge. Most people assume that insurance companies operate in the best interest of victims, protecting them from harm and ensuring that they receive the compensation they are entitled to. Unfortunately, some insurance companies train their claims adjusters to reject personal injury claims or drag out the claim over a long period in hopes that the victim will simply give up. This deceptive practice prevents victims from receiving the reimbursement they are entitled to, leaving them to shoulder an overwhelming financial burden on top of the physical pain they have already endured. It is imperative that victims of motor vehicle accidents take the necessary steps to protect themselves following an accident, which often includes hiring a car crash attorney to represent their case.

Document the Scene of the Accident

The first step to take following a motor vehicle crash is to document the scene of the accident. Besides contacting the police and offering an official statement, accident victims should also do what they can to sufficiently record the nature of the accident. It may be necessary to replicate the scene and the details of the accident to determine what caused the crash and with whom liability lies. Documenting the scene of the accident may involve taking photographs of the accident and the cars involved, making sure a full police report has been filed and collecting the personal information, insurance company, and vehicle identification number of all individuals involved in the accident. It is also important to remember to avoid admitting fault or liability to anyone; you should limit your interaction to the police alone.

Contact your Insurance Company

Next, contact your insurance company to process a personal injury claim. It may benefit you to speak with your insurance agent while you are at the scene of the accident with a police officer, who may be able to provide your insurance company with more accurate and pertinent information. It is important to provide your insurance company with extensive details concerning the accident and the extent of your injuries. Remain in contact with your insurance company to ensure your rights are protected and to make sure you are taken seriously.

Seek Medical Attention

The next step to take after being involved in a car accident is to seek medical attention. While some car crash injuries are easily recognizable, like bruises and lacerations, others may take a longer period to surface, such as concussions and neck or back injuries. It is important to see a medical professional immediately after a motor vehicle accident so that these less noticeable injuries can be detected and treated promptly. Without proper medical care, these injuries can cause serious complications shortly and later in life, and if you wait too long after an accident to visit a medical professional, it may be difficult to establish a connection between the accident and your injury. It is also imperative to seek medical attention following an accident so that your injuries can be recorded and you have adequate medical documentation of the injuries caused by the accident.

Contact a Car Accident Lawyer

One of the most helpful steps to take after a motor vehicle accident is to contact an experienced car crash lawyer to discuss your legal options. Those injured in California may need an Auto Accident Attorney Chino Hills. Many people may be unaware of their rights as a car crash victim, leaving them exposed to the deceptive practices of insurance companies and others trying to take advantage of their vulnerability. Car crash attorneys are a valuable resource to have on your side during this time of need. Not only can they easily obtain critical medical records and insurance documentation, but they also have access to experts who specialize in reconstructing motor vehicle accidents to determine fault or liability. This may be a key component in holding the appropriate party accountable for the injuries sustained by you as a victim. There are specific steps you should take after being involved in a motor vehicle accident. By following these steps, you can protect yourself from an overwhelming financial burden on top of physical and emotional pain. You can also ensure a fair settlement for injuries and damages received. By hiring a qualified car crash lawyer, an accident victim can take the time he needs to concentrate on seeking proper medical care without having to worry about developing a personal injury case as well. Your attorney will devote his time and attention to compiling evidence and build the case, allowing you to focus on making a full and expedient recovery. If you or a loved one has been involved in a motor vehicle accident, you can protect.