What Should You Do After an Automobile Accident?
-
Obtain the name, address and telephone number of the all drivers and passengers involved in the accident.
-
Obtain each driver’s car insurance company’s name and telephone number, and the policy number and expiration date, if available.
-
Report the accident immediately to the police and your insurance company, regardless of who is at fault.
-
Cooperate thoroughly with the police in preparing an accident report.
-
Photograph all vehicles involved in the accident.
-
See a physician without delay if you are experiencing pain or any other medical symptoms. Unfortunately, most insurers will not compensate you for injuries that are not documented by a licensed medical doctor, even though the pain is very real.
-
Get legal advice before filling out insurance documents or giving recorded statements to any insurance company (even your own company), or meeting with any insurance company representative. Certainly get legal advice before accepting any settlement agreement or check.
-
Photograph your injuries. This will support the magnitude of your injury as bruises and cuts may heal, but tissue beneath the skin may not completely heal.
-
Gather all insurance policies in your household for evaluation by an attorney. You may be entitled to insurance coverage from a separate insurance policy in addition to the responsible driver's insurance company.
-
Again, get legal advice before signing any check or document from an insurance company.
Too often, victims of auto accidents are unaware of what they need to do to protect themselves. They place their trust in the insurance companies to guide them through the process. However, most insurance companies do not have the best interest of their insureds in mind. Speak to an attorney at The Greenwood Prather Law Firm experienced in the area of personal injury to discuss recovering possible compensation and minimizing the frustration, delay and confusion that almost all accident victims suffer.
|
|
|