What To Do Right After A Traffic Accident
Most people use their cars on a daily basis.
While accidents are rare, they do happen. Everybody knows somebody who has been involved in some kind of car accident. If you are a regular driver, then the chances that you will be involved in an accident at least once in your life are high.
After an accident, you could be eligible for compensation. If another driver was responsible for your injuries, then a lawyer will be able to help you to make a claim against them.
However, there is a lot more to claiming compensation after an accident than just getting in touch with a lawyer. This post will tell you all you need to know.
1. Take Evidence
The first thing that you need to do is to take evidence. However, if you are seriously injured then this might not be possible. Evidence will make it a lot easier for you to make your claim though, which is why it’s a good idea to try and get it. Most legal experts agree that it’s a good idea to have a dash cam in your car, just in case you are involved in an accident. Having a dash cam will mean that you don’t actually have to take any evidence yourself. When it comes to making a claim, lawyers will ask you to present any evidence you have. Having footage from the scene of the accident is the best kind of evidence you can provide.
2. Call an Ambulance
An ambulance might be necessary, too. If you have been seriously injured (or if anybody else involved has been) then you need to call the paramedics. One of the bonuses of paramedics being called to the scene of an accident is that they will take down their own notes and create a report. This report can then be used by your lawyers to support your case. You should also try and get a written medical certificate from the doctor who deals with you at ER (or your own physician) detailing your injuries.
3. Contact the Police
In most places, it is a legal requirement for individuals involved in a car accident to notify the police within 48 hours of the accident taking place. In some states, there is only a 24-hour window. If you do not notify the police within your state’s window then you could get into a lot of trouble. It is usually a good idea to call the police as soon as an accident takes place so that the driver responsible can be breath tested. If they have been drinking, then it will make it a lot easier for you to claim compensation.
4. Find an Attorney
If you want compensation, you need an attorney’s help. There is absolutely no way that you will be able to make a claim for compensation on your own. According to one aggressive driving lawyer in New York, a lawyer will meet you, have a consultation with you, and then make a claim on your behalf. Take your time when finding a lawyer, so you can get the one who’s most experienced. Ideally, the lawyer you hire should have good online reviews and a qualification from a good university. They should also be honest, and a good communicators.
5. Make a Claim
Once you’ve found the lawyer you want to work with, the next step is to schedule an appointment with them, so that you can make your claim. In this appointment, they will interview you and collect information about your case. They might ask you to prevent any evidence that you have, too. Once they have satisfied themselves that your case is winnable, they will take you on as a client. Most personal injury lawyers offer contingency plans, which means they only take payment once the case has been won. If it is lost, they aren’t paid. Because of this, they are very strict about evidence and need to be sure your case is winnable before they will consider taking you on.
6. Have Patience
Finally, have patience. In the meantime, while your case is being handled, focus on recovering from your injuries. Your lawyer will be able to claim disability benefits on your behalf, so you can support yourself financially while you are waiting for your compensation. Compensation claims aren’t resolved overnight, they can take years. If you aren’t patient then you will end up irritating your lawyer, which is the last thing that you should be doing.
Car accidents happen. When they do, they can be fatal. If you are a regular road user, then you could be involved in one, one day. Knowing what to do in the event of a car accident will make it a lot easier for you to find your footing and move forwards.
