KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Discover what actions to take after an accident
- Learn the importance of informing the police and insurer
- Understand how to choose a lawyer and file a claim
- Learn about the negotiation and court settlement process
The increasing number of car accidents is a very unfortunate and sad reality. Did you know, worldwide car accidents cause approximately 1.19 million deaths and 20-50 million non-fatal injuries every year? (Source: World Health Organization)
I am telling you with this, my personal experience, that facing a car accident can not only be physically challenging, but it can also give you emotional trauma. The property damage and other aftermath are also very overwhelming.
On top of that, handling all the legal matters is another added burden. With reference to my experience, I will help you explain what to do after a car accident and how a lawyer can help make things easier and ensure you get justice. If you need a good car accident lawyer, you can find experienced help at https://www.dehoyosinjury.com/houston-car-accident-injury-lawyer/.
Trust me, after an accident, no matter major or minor, your priority should be your health. Get away from your car and move to a safe place if you can, and check for injuries.
In my case, a brave woman was there at that time. She helped me move to a safe place and called emergency services right away. If you aren’t able to walk, ask for help, like I did.
While waiting for help, I took multiple photos of the car and the road. Keep in mind this is quite important, so if you are in a condition where you can collect information and take pictures, please do it.
I guess this is so basic that if an accident happened, no matter if someone got injured or not, involving the police is very important. Because they will create an official report that could be needed later.
Also, inform your insurance company as soon as possible. But keep one thing in mind: if you want to speed up the claim process, you have to speak facts instead of placing blame on someone innocent.
Even if you feel fine, it’s better to see a doctor. Because some injuries, like whiplash or internal injuries, are something you can’t notice immediately.
Medical records are important for legal claims as they show proof of your injuries and treatment for compensation, and they can help you later as well.
Picking the right lawyer is very important for the case, so try to find someone experienced in personal injuries. To get the right one, I arranged a meeting with a lawyer; you can do the same to check whether they are a good fit for you.
To file a claim, submit necessary documents with the help of your chosen lawyer, like the police report, medical records, and proof of financial losses. Timing is very important as there are deadlines for filing. A skilled lawyer can help you prepare and submit everything you need.
My case was settled without going to court, and there are so many cases that are settled outside the court. Insurance adjusters usually make the first offer, which you can negotiate with the help of your lawyer.
Here, including your lawyer is very important because their offers are rarely fair without legal help. Now, if your insurance company and you can not reach an agreement, the case will go to court.
There, your case will be involved, presenting evidence and arguments; this process can be lengthy and complicated, too, which is why having a good and knowledgeable lawyer is very important during this process.
As I said earlier, facing a car accident can be overwhelming, but trust me, knowing what to do in that particular situation and even after that can make a big difference. You can follow the steps I shared with you to protect yourself and your rights.
Remember, in this challenging time, you are not alone. There are many resources and people to help you; just don’t hesitate to ask for help.
They are very important for protecting yourself and ensuring that you receive fair treatment and appropriate compensation.
Create an emergency fund, take another look at your financial goals and budget, review and improve your insurance, and talk to a financial advisor for help.
Talk to your family, friends, or a mental health professional. They can support you and help you process your emotions.
There is no specific limit. The amount depends on the severity of injuries, damages, and the available insurance coverage.
