The uncertainty you experience after a car crash can damage every aspect of your life on top of the personal injuries you suffered. That is normal, and hiring an experienced Richmond car accident lawyer is one of the most important steps after a car accident.
They understand the legal process and handle your legal paperwork and negotiations. This means you can focus on healing while they work to get you the compensation you need. Think of them as your advocate, standing up for you when you need it most.
Steps to take after a car accident
The days following a car accident can affect the outcome of legal actions or insurance claims.
During this time, your car accident attorney will work to collect and preserve evidence, such as:
- Photographs of the scene and injuries
- Police reports
- Witness statements
- Medical records related to any injuries sustained.
These records inform your lawyer’s investigation of the accident and form the foundation for your lawsuit.
Go to the doctor
Even if you think you’re okay, it’s still a good idea to go to the doctor after a car accident. Sometimes, shock or adrenaline can mask injury symptoms. Getting medical attention shows you’re concerned about your physical well-being.
People who skip getting medical attention may develop soreness, headache, dizziness, nausea or vomiting, or other symptoms.
Skipping or delaying medical treatment can also weaken your case in a way. Insurers or opposing parties might argue your injuries weren’t serious or were unrelated to the accident.
Some car accident injuries that may have delayed symptoms are:
- Concussion
- Traumatic brain injury
- Herniated discs, fractures, nerve compression
- Muscular injuries
- Internal organ damage
Some car accident symptoms that you may experience long after the crash include:
- Persistent headaches
- Confusion
- Pain radiating from neck and shoulders
- Internal bleeding
- Debilitating pain, numbness, or paralysis
Report the accident to your insurance provider:
Insurance contracts require policyholders to report accidents within a specific timeframe. Not notifying your insurer may result in a denial of coverage for the accident. This will leave you without financial protection against claims made by others or for your own losses.
From a legal standpoint, early communication with your insurance company begins the claim process, which you need to cover medical expenses, property damage, and other losses.
The insurance adjuster assigned to the case will gather facts, evaluate the damage, and determine liability based on available information. This initial assessment sets the stage for negotiations, legal claims, and potential settlements.
Your auto accident lawyer will protect your rights and keep the insurance company’s actions in line with the policy’s stipulations and state laws.
Your lawyer will handle disputes, such as disagreements over the cause of the accident, the extent of damages, or the compensation due. They will work to:
- Provide evidence supporting your claim
- Challenge the insurance company’s assessments if necessary
- Negotiate a settlement that compensates you fairly for your losses
Get a copy of the police report:
You should get a copy of the police report after for several reasons if you’re considering filing a lawsuit:
- Evidence: A police report contains an impartial third-party account of the accident. It details dates, time, location, weather, and conditions. It may include witness statements, descriptions of the damage to vehicles, and the officer’s observations about the incident.
- Fault Determination: The report might include the responding officer’s assessment of who was at fault based on the evidence and statements made at the scene. While this is not the final word on liability, it can influence the direction of legal claims and negotiations with insurance companies.
- Insurance Claims: Insurance companies usually require a copy of the police report to process car accident claims. The report helps insurers determine liability and assess the validity and value of a claim.
- Legal Proceedings: If you file a lawsuit, your lawyer can get the police report. It can establish the facts of the case and support your account of events. Lawyers and courts often rely on the details contained in the report to guide legal strategies.
- Settlement Negotiations: Before a lawsuit goes to trial, there’s often an attempt to settle the case out of court. The police report may play a significant role in these negotiations, as it provides a basis for establishing liability and damages.
- Memory Aid: Your memory of the accident may fade over time. The police report can remind you of the details needed during legal proceedings or when dealing with insurance claims.
The police report can strengthen your position in a lawsuit if it supports your version of events. However, if the police report does not, your lawyer will present other evidence to support your case.
You should ultimately consult an experienced car accident attorney to understand the full impact of the report on your specific situation.
Document your injuries:
Keep records of all hospital and doctor visits, treatments, prescriptions, and other expenses related to your car accident injuries. These records can become evidence of your injuries and the medical attention required due to the accident.
This documentation provides a clear and undeniable link between the accident and your injuries, countering any arguments that your injuries were pre-existing or unrelated to the accident.
These records also highlight the direct impact the injuries have on your daily life, like any limitations or disabilities resulting from the accident. They can illustrate the need for ongoing medical care, which can determine the amount of compensation you may recover.
Detailed medical records and receipts can support claims for lost wages. They help to demonstrate periods of work missed due to medical appointments, recovery, or hospitalization. They also provide evidence of out-of-pocket expenses and the need for specialized medical equipment or modifications to your home.
By documenting every aspect of your medical care and related expenses, your lawyer can build a comprehensive evidence base to help your case.
Keep a journal:
Start documenting your experiences as soon as possible. Write about the accident itself, noting every detail you remember, no matter how insignificant it might seem. Include your physical and emotional feelings, as these can vividly portray the extent of your suffering and recovery journey
Journaling about the accident also gives your lawyer a deeper understanding of your circumstances. It can equip them with the information to argue your case more persuasively in negotiations with insurers and court or settlement discussions.
Always follow up:
Following your doctor’s advice after a car accident is essential, as well as completing all follow-up visits. These appointments are not just about your health. They can serve as evidence for your personal injury claim. Each visit is a chance to document the seriousness of your injuries and the effectiveness of your treatments.
Follow-up visits can also highlight the long-term impacts of your injuries. They provide a clearer picture of ongoing and future medical needs, including surgeries, physical therapy, or other treatments. This helps calculate the full extent of your medical expenses.
Follow-ups also show how your injuries may limit your work capabilities and overall quality of life. If your injuries compromise your ability to work, you need a professional record showing this change. It affects your claim regarding lost wages and future earning capacity.
Hire an experienced car accident lawyer:
Hire an experienced car accident lawyer after a car collision, especially if accident-related injuries restrict your ability to work or enjoy life.
Feeling lost and uncertain in the wake of a car accident is natural. The aftermath is typically full of confusion and stress. You’re facing physical injuries, emotional turmoil, and an onslaught of medical expenses. Additionally, insurance companies make interacting with them frustrating. All of these feelings are normal.
A skilled car accident lawyer knows how to investigate these cases thoroughly. The investigations may include looking for signs of an auto defect or negligence that could expand liability to other parties beyond the immediate drivers involved.
For instance, a manufacturing or design defect in a vehicle or a poorly maintained commercial truck could open additional avenues of compensation and maximize the damages you receive. A skilled car accident lawyer will ultimately know how to identify all potentially liable parties.
Your lawyer makes sure the justice system hears your voice and upholds your rights. With an experienced Richmond personal injury lawyer, you gain more than just legal representation – you equip yourself with a partner.
They fight to secure the compensation you and your family need for your injuries, losses, and future well-being. If you or a loved one is in need of a car accident attorney, call (866)-388-1307
