However much a car accident can be damaging to your well-being, the aftermath can be even worse. Depending on the seriousness of your injuries, the cost of damages, and the other driver’s involvement, you could have a hard time recovering from it both physically and mentally. To avoid being tortured further by lengthy processes like proving negligence, recovery, and damage fixing, you need to act fast and be thorough.
If you get a good deal on your personal injury claim, it can be enough to cover the costs of all of it. Also, you will get the extra money that will help you overcome your trauma. Here is how you should go about it.
When Can You Apply?
If any damage is done, and especially if you can prove the other driver’s negligence, you are fit to apply for a personal injury claim. However, it can be a complex and tiring process, especially if you go about it independently. One piece of advice from Custodio & Dubey Lawyers is that you should apply for it as soon as possible. No matter the seriousness of your injuries and damages, you have the right to ask for what you deserve.
1. Prove Your Injuries
The most common advice you will hear from medical experts is that you should note down any pain in your body right after the accident, no matter how small. Contact emergency services immediately and try to move as little as possible. The ambulance will probably take you to the nearest hospital. Ask for a copy of the doctor’s report made right after the accident. It will help you prove that the injuries are the crash’s outcome, not from something unrelated.
2. Collect As Much Evidence As You Can
After the crash, take a good look at the surroundings. Collect as much hard evidence as you can. That includes the pictures of both vehicles, damages that are done to the surroundings, and witness statements. Stay calm and collected, and document everything you can. Hard evidence is the most valuable thing you can have to prove your innocence, thus also getting the best deal possible. It’s all about the quantity. If you hire an attorney, they will tell you the best way to go about it.
3. Watch What You Are Saying
This applies to both moments right after the crash and when you talk to emergency services, witnesses, and insurance companies. There have been cases where people have lost the case because they indirectly admitted their fault right after the accident. Even the smallest apology can be taken as the admittance of guilt. You should be transparent with your lawyer because they can advise on what you should and shouldn’t say.
4. Don’t Be Afraid to Take It to Court
Settling for your insurance company’s offer will probably not be enough to compensate for the damages from the crash. Also, giving your medical records to the other driver’s insurance company can complicate matters further. They will work on proving their client’s innocence, so anything you give them will probably be used against you. If you conclude that the offers are not as good as you thought, don’t be afraid to take your case to court. It can be the best way to get what you deserve.
5. Gather All the Paperwork
Every piece of paperwork you obtain after the crash could be proved valuable for your case. Keep every medical record, try to obtain copies of the police report, and don’t throw away any bill or receipt you get. It can all be proof that you deserve good compensation. Be thorough and disclose everything you can to your attorney. In court, every piece of paper can be valuable.
6. Assess How Much the Damages Cost
It’s not enough to just assess the damages yourself. Go to experienced professionals and ask for their opinion. That includes evaluating damages to your vehicle, your physical health, and if you have any mental consequences after the accident. The more you get, the better the chances. Professionals will be able to notice things that you, as an amateur, will surely miss.
7. Hire an Experienced Attorney
Don’t hire just anyone. Do your research and hire an experienced attorney to lead you through the process. They should be able to estimate if there is a need to take the case to court. They will also explain to you everything you need to do from a legal standpoint. They will be your guiding light and let you recover in peace.
As we previously mentioned, getting into a car accident can be extremely traumatic. In order to recover properly, it is fair to get the most out of your compensation. Stand your ground and trust your attorney. It can be hard, but it will pay off in the end.