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Motor vehicle accidents are among the leading causes of serious injuries in the United States.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) rel=”nofollow” reports that more than 2 million Americans are hurt in traffic collisions every year.
The time immediately after a car accident can be painful, scary, and confusing.
It can be difficult to know where to go or who to talk to, but you do not need to go through this experience alone.
There are a few definite steps you can take after a car accident that will help you preserve your claims for compensation.
At Sabbeth Law, our Vermont car accident attorneys have helped many clients after car accident injuries and are here to help you through the process following an accident. Here, we highlight the key steps that you should take after a serious automobile accident.
FIVE STEPS TO TAKE AFTER A CAR ACCIDENT
1. Seek Medical Treatment
The first thing you should do after an accident is to seek immediate medical treatment for your injuries. Serious injuries require attention right away to mitigate and heal before things get worse. Even minor injuries can become serious if not looked at right away. In many cases you might be suffering from internal injuries that may not be evident right away but do require immediate medical care.
Indeed, many common auto accident injuries — including traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), back injuries, and soft tissue damages (whiplash) — frequently come with a delayed onset. It may be 72 hours, or more, before you feel the full effects of your injuries. Always get yourself checked out by a doctor.
In addition, medical treatment right after the accident creates documentation about your injuries. These medical records and reports are incredibly helpful when it comes to negotiating a settlement for compensation. If you wait to seek medical treatment, insurance companies will try to argue that you were not as seriously injured as you claim.
Indeed, many common auto accident injuries — including traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), back injuries, and soft tissue damages (whiplash) — frequently come with a delayed onset. It may be 72 hours, or more, before you feel the full effects of your injuries. Always get yourself checked out by a doctor.
Learn more about seeking medical treatment right after a car accident.
2. Collect Evidence From the Scene
If possible, you or someone you know should collect evidence from the scene of the car accident. You or someone else should call the police to come and create an accident report about what happened. While the police will do their own evidence collection, you should collect evidence to give to your attorney.
This includes photos and videos of the scene. Include any personal injuries or property damage. Collect witness statements or their contact information so your lawyer’s investigators can talk to them later. If there is anything unique about the scene or the facts of the case, make sure to document it or collect it for later.
Ultimately, injured victims will be required to prove both liability and the extent of their damages. The more evidence you can secure, the easier the claims process will be.
3. Hire a Personal Injury Attorney
As soon as you are able, hire a personal injury attorney to handle your case. An attorney can handle all of the intricacies of the claims while you focus on what is most important, your recovery.
Your lawyer will immediately collect all of the evidence you have, along with medical records and police reports, to begin building the best possible case for you.
The lawyer also handles all negotiation and communication with the insurance companies so you don’t have to. A lawyer understands the true value of your claims and can advise you whether the settlement offered is full and fair for your injuries.
If the settlement is not appropriate for your damages, a personal injury attorney can take your case to court.
Serious injuries require skilled legal representation. If you sustained major injuries in an accident or if your claim is being disputed by the insurance company, it is imperative that you consult with a qualified attorney as soon as possible.
After a crash, it is always in your best interests to sit down for a free consultation with an experienced auto accident attorney. An attorney will be able to give you guidance on how to protect your rights.
4. Keep All Relevant Documents And Records
In the days and months after a car accident injury, try to keep as many records as possible about your damages and recovery. This includes receipts for medical expenses and property damage as well as keeping track of wages and benefits lost at work.
Try to keep a daily journal about your rehabilitation and recovery from your injuries. That can be incredibly helpful when negotiating compensation for your claims. Keep track of all medical reports and records. Include any from therapy during your recovery because you can use them as evidence towards the seriousness of your injuries.
5. Do Not Speak to an Insurance Company Alone
Finally, do not under any circumstances make a statement or speak with an insurance company representative without your lawyer present. Even your own insurance company may be working against you. They might try and mitigate or deny your claims for compensation after a car accident to avoid paying for your injuries.
It is important to remember that the insurance company is a profit-making enterprise. These firms train their adjusters to find ways to minimize settlement payouts.
The insurance companies are looking for any evidence or statement you make against your own best interests. They want to use these as evidence that your injuries after a car accident are not as serious as you claim. Once you hire an attorney, insurers must go through the lawyer for all communications, negotiations, and settlement offers on your case.
If a statement is necessary, a lawyer can be present to make sure that everything goes right and that your claims remain protected.
WHY CHOOSE THE AUTO ACCIDENT LAWYERS AT SABBETH LAW
If you were seriously injured in a car accident, you will find that there is no shortage of personal injury attorneys available to handle your legal claim. It is essential that you find the best legal representation. Mike Sabbeth and his team are experienced personal injury attorneys – and they want to help you.
At Sabbeth Law, our Vermont and New Hampshire car accident lawyers are strong and compassionate advocates for our clients. We have a proven track record of success in handling the full range of traffic accident cases in both Vermont and New Hampshire. Our personal attorneys will:
- Conduct a free review and assessment of your car accident case;
- Ensure that you understand your rights and your options;
- Investigate your crash, gathering and organizing all relevant evidence;
- Work directly with doctors, medical professionals, and other experts;
- Handle all correspondence with the insurance company, including settlement talks; and
- Prepare to file a car accident injury lawsuit.
Many auto accident injury claims in Vermont and New Hampshire eventually reach settlement. Our law firm is committed to getting our clients full and fair settlement offers. Additionally, we are trial tested personal injury lawyers. If the insurance company refuses to offer you the full settlement that you are owed, we are always ready to file an auto accident lawsuit and take your case to court.
Contact Our Car Accident Attorneys Today
At Sabbeth Law, our auto accident lawyers fight tirelessly to protect the legal rights and financial interests of injured victims. If you were injured in a car accident in Vermont or New Hampshire, you need to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney right away. Call the office or contact us today at Sabbeth Law to schedule a free review of your claims with one of our skilled attorneys.