Being involved in a car accident is a traumatic experience. The after-effects could leave your body and mind in a terrible state and dent your finances, too. However, knowing the proper steps to take after such a harrowing ordeal can help minimize the damage to your health and finances. In this guide, with professional insights from an NJ car accident lawyer, we’ll share the steps you can take to protect your well-being and legal rights.
Here are eight crucial steps to take if you don’t want to bear the burden of someone else’s negligence.
Make Sure You’re Safe and Call for Help
Nobody goes out expecting to be involved in a car accident. So, it’s normal to panic and feel disconcerted after experiencing your life flash before your eyes. But you must try to be as calm as possible – this will help you think straight and stay coordinated enough to call for help.
As soon as you feel settled, call 911 and tell them what has happened. Ensure that they give you medical assistance when they arrive.
Report to the Police
Once you’ve gotten the medical assistance you need, call the police. Do not leave the scene until the police arrive to make a report on the car wreck.
A police report is necessary for legal proceedings, medical purposes, and insurance claims. Doctors, attorneys, and insurance companies need this report to complete certain processes that may reduce the financial burden you have to deal with. Keep a copy for yourself or better still, obtain the report number for future reference.
Document the Details
You need evidence that the police can add to their report, something you can use as a reference, too. Once you’re in a better head space, you must document every detail of the accident.
The first thing you have to do is take pictures or make videos of the accident scene. Ensure that any damage and injuries from the car wreck are properly captured.
You also need to get the contact information of the other drivers involved in the car accident. Get their names, license numbers, phone number, and address.
If there are any witnesses around, you should also get their information. You need to document these details properly as they can be used as evidence that helps back your claims when you have to resolve legal disputes or deal with an insurance adjuster.
Speak to Your Insurance Company
The next thing you need to do is inform your insurance company about the accident. They are going to be assessing every piece of evidence you provide and the police report, so you must make sure that you remain transparent when narrating the ordeal to them. If your report of the accident doesn’t match the photographs or police report, you could compromise your claim.
However, avoid admitting that the accident was your fault. Only give them the important details until you have your lawyer with you. Admitting fault can reduce payout significantly or cause you to lose it completely.
Go to the Hospital for a Proper Checkup
Sometimes, injuries and trauma may show up days after the accident. This is very common when you have internal injuries.
So, you should seek medical help as soon as you’ve filed all the necessary claims and reports. Ensure the medical professional performs a thorough checkup to ensure you’re in perfect condition. And if there are indeed injuries, going for a checkup early will help you treat them before they escalate.
Safeguard the Case
Avoid talking to anyone about the case throughout the investigation period. You don’t want to say anything that’ll compromise the case or put you in trouble. Only speak to your lawyer, the police, and the insurance company. If you’ve been involved in a hit-and-run accident, consulting an experienced car accident lawyer is crucial. They can help navigate complex legal processes, protect your rights, and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Do not speak to any other insurance company in the absence of your lawyer. Also, when settlements are being offered, do not agree to them without proper legal guidance. Car accidents are delicate cases, and insurance companies want to decrease the payout as much as possible. So, be extra careful when speaking to anyone about the case.
Consult with a Car Accident Lawyer
To get the highest possible payout and steer clear from trouble with the law, you need to consult with a car accident lawyer. These experts understand the legal nature of car accidents and will offer you only the best advice that will help your case.
On your behalf, they’ll speak to the police and insurance companies, ensuring that all your claims are adequately filed. They are also expert negotiators. They talk to insurance companies and negotiate settlements.
Understand the Statute of Limitations
The Statute of Limitations varies across states. This is the deadline for when car accident-related claims can be filed. If you miss this deadline, you won’t be able to seek compensation for damages.
In New Jersey, the Statute of Limitations is two years. While this may seem like enough time to take the right steps, remember that talking to the insurance company immediately after the accident is important. You need to contact the right authorities while the evidence and your memory of the accident are still fresh.
What Compensation Can a Car Accident Lawyer Help You Recover?
As a car accident victim, your lawyer can help you recover the following:
- Medical expenses – this includes the cost of surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and future expenses that may arise as a result of the accident – both short and long-term care.
- Property damage – you can also get compensated for vehicle repair or replacement.
- Lost wages – if your injury prevents you from going to work, you get compensated for already lost income and future wages.
- Pain and suffering – compensation can also be made for emotional distress and physical pain.
Conclusion
Being in a car accident can diminish the quality of your life forever, so it is only right that you get your deserved compensation. Ensure that you hire the best car accident lawyer if you want to recover all or most of what you’ve lost to this tragic event.
