Posted by Jason L. Call |
According to NHTSA road statistics, over 2.5 million car accident injuries are recorded in our country every year. These injuries often result in substantive medical costs, untold physical pain, and lost income. Despite this, many insurance companies underpay or deny personal injury claims, especially when the victim is unaware of the legal process involved.
This article highlights what to do after a car accident injury and how working with experienced Jefferson City, and Missouri Car Accident Attorneys could help your claim.
Seek Medical Attention
Your primary concern after a collision should be seeking medical attention for yourself or anyone else injured in the crash. Once you have moved your vehicle to a safe location, assess yourself for injuries and call 911 if you or any of your passengers suffered a severe injury. Only if your injuries allow, you may drive to the nearest hospital for medical care after you’ve spoken to the police and leave the scene.
It is important to note that the buck doesn’t stop with initial treatment. You are advised to honor all your subsequent doctor’s appointments and fill out any prescriptions given to you at the hospital. Additionally, you should work with your primary doctor to create and maintain proper medical records.
Call the Police
Notify the police when you get into an auto accident, especially if it results in injury or significant property damage. If you leave the scene of the accident before the police arrive, you might be charged with a hit-and-run. The presence of the police will also allow you to acquire a copy of the police report, which might come in handy if you decide to pursue a claim for damages.
Collect Evidence
While waiting for the police, you should collect evidence around the scene that could help prove your case. Begin by asking the other driver to provide you with their contact information, obtain license plate numbers, and insurance details. You can then gather the following information:
- Contact information of willing witnesses
- A copy of the police report
- Pictures of videos of the accident scene, property damage, and your injuries
Inform Your Insurer
Most insurance companies will require that you report any accident to them for processing. Failing to do so could lead to further problems down the line when you decide to file a personal injury claim. Consequently, you should call your insurer and inform them of the accident as soon as possible.
When speaking with your insurer, stick to the facts, and avoid speaking from emotion or admitting fault. You should also avoid allowing any insurance company to record any statements before consulting your attorney.
Contact an Attorney
The aftermath of a car accident can be shocking and overwhelming. Thankfully, you don’t have to handle all the subsequent steps on your own. The final thing you should do before calling it a day is to contact a personal injury attorney to discuss your case. The sooner you do this, the better, so you don’t miss the statute of limitations deadline.
Consult a Jefferson City, Missouri Car Accident Attorney
As already mentioned, you should always consult an attorney after a car accident. Doing so allows you to learn about your legal rights, options, and obligations. It also provides you with the avenue to pursue damages for all your accident-related losses.
The experienced Jefferson City, Missouri Car Accident Attorneys at Call & Gentry Law Group are committed to helping you get the compensation you deserve. Contact us at 573-644-6090 to schedule a consultation or ask further questions about what to do after a car accident injury.