What Should I Do After A Car Accident?
Your first order of business is to ensure that you’re okay. That requires only that you allow EMTs to treat you at the scene, get immediate medical attention, and then let the situation sort itself out. However, if you are able, there are some measures you can take at the scene. In this article, we’ll discuss how to approach a traffic accident from the point at which the accident occurs up to the point at which you receive your settlement.
At the scene of the accident
If you are able to walk and stand, then you should grab your phone and begin snapping photos. You’ll want to ensure that you photograph the damage to both cars, any debris that may be in the road, and witnesses who may have seen the accident occur. You’ll want license plate information too.
Your next order of business will be to go directly to the hospital. You’ll want to do this regardless of how you feel directly after the accident. It’s an important part of the claims process, and many folks don’t know how extensive their injuries are until a day or two later. This is especially true for those who sustained head injuries.
At the hospital
Medical professionals will determine if you are injured, the extent of your injury, and any remedies that will need to be undertaken to get you back to where you were before. This is an important part of the process. Insurance companies will not pay out major sums of money to plaintiffs who did not receive immediate treatment. The further away your treatment is from the time of the crash, the less likely an insurance company will be to pay out your claim. The insurance company will dig in and fight the claim if there is one shred of evidence indicating that you aren’t as injured as you say you are.
Understanding car accident lawsuits
Virginia operates on a tort system when it comes to car accidents. That means an injured plaintiff files a claim on a negligent defendant’s auto insurance policy. The insurance company indemnifies or takes liability for the accident on behalf of their negligent policyholder. The claim is then paid by the insurance company to the injured plaintiff.
This process can be quite simple. In fact, injured plaintiffs settle their own insurance claims all the time. So why do some folks hire a lawyer? Well, when your injuries are severe, result in major medical expenses, or cause you to miss time from work, you’ll find yourself owing more money while bringing in less money. That’s when you need a lawyer.
You will only get one chance to settle your auto accident claim, so you want to ensure that you’re getting a fair offer from the insurance company. There’s too much at stake not to treat the process carefully. The Roanoke car accident attorneys at MichieHamlett can help you settle your claim for a fair amount and recover damages related to your medical expenses, lost wages, and decreased quality of life.