Whether you’ve been in a fender bender or a high-speed accident; a car accident can be a scary occurrence. Not to mention, the process can be frustrating and filled with unforeseen consequences as you are faced with insurance payments and medical bills after the fact.
Luckily, car accident lawyers are ready and willing to help after a car accident, regardless of the extent of the accident or the money involved. If you’ve been in a car accident and need help navigating any part of the process, consider contacting a car accident lawyer today.
I’ve Been in a Car Accident, What Should I Do?
You should follow a series of steps after your car accident to ensure that you are safe and that you get the maximum benefit to which you are entitled:
- Seek Medical Care. Whether you were hit head on at high speed, or lightly tapped on your rear bumper; you should be evaluated by a medical professional. This is not only important to ensure that you are healthy and injury-free, but this medical documentation may serve to be an invaluable resource down the road, should you need to take your case to court.
- Begin to Gather Photographic Evidence. Taking pictures of your car, the other driver’s car, and anything else that was involved in the accident is critical. This photographic evidence may not be needed, however, if you end up needing the evidence later on; you’ll be glad you have it.
- Gather any Additional Evidence. In addition to taking pictures, other evidence may prove very valuable to your case. Obtaining eye-witness testimony, requesting video evidence from nearby surveillance cameras, and gathering any other information is a good idea after an accident.
- Communicate Carefully with Insurance Companies. Car insurance companies are going to try to close this case as quickly as possible and pay out as little as they can. Therefore, you need to be very careful with what you sign or say to these individuals. Make sure that you don’t agree to a settlement before you are fully healed and have addressed the damage to your car. If you are entitled to more compensation, you should ensure that you receive it.
While it is possible to take care of the above on your own, a car accident lawyer can help make sure that you get all of the benefits to which you are entitled.
Is it Worth it to Use a Car Accident Lawyer?
Many people may think that a car accident lawyer will not be helpful in their case because they were only involved in a minor accident, or there wasn’t a lot of damage done to either car. This is far from the truth. Car accident lawyers are happy to work with clients at any budget and help them get the compensation to which they are due.
If you’ve been involved in a car accident and aren’t sure whether or not you should contact a car accident lawyer, many firms offer free consultations to discuss your case and determine how they can best help you.