What You Should Know About Car Accidents
by
Christopher Hoffmann on Aug. 21, 2013
Accident & Injury Car Accident Accident & Injury Personal Injury Accident & Injury Wrongful Death
Summary: Car accidents are one of the most common causes of personal injury. Being prepared to deal with an accident and understanding your legal rights and options is very important. Anyone who drives a car should know the basics of what to do in the event of an auto accident.
The effects of being involved in a car accident can be far-reaching. If you are lucky you may be able to resolve any financial losses easily with the other driver’s insurance company. But for many people the process is more drawn out. Accidents can cause devastating injuries, financial losses, and emotional suffering. Dealing with the aftermath of an accident can be incredibly difficult for families as they usually have to deal with medical treatment, loss of income, property damage, and all of the legal matters involved in a personal injury claim.
Car accidents are one of the most common causes of personal injury. Being prepared to deal with an accident and understanding your legal rights and options is very important. Anyone who drives a car should know the basics of what to do in the event of an auto accident. When you are attempting to obtain compensation following an auto accident, each step you take will be very important.
Insurance
Insurance companies can be hard to go up against for car accident victims. You should first obtain legal representation before you begin discussions with the at-fault party or their insurance company. Talking about your claim may be detrimental to your claim as insurance companies may take your statement, twist your words, and try to get you to accept a settlement that is much lower than what it is worth.
Medical Attention
With minor accidents many car accident victims think they do not need medical attention. But to be on the safe side you should always see a doctor as soon as possible following an accident. One of the reasons for this is to protect your health, and the other reason is because medical records are very important to making a compensation claim later.
Do not talk about the accident
You should also not talk to anyone about the accident other than to get contact information from any witnesses. Anything you may say could possibly be misinterpreted later on, so you should ask the advice of an attorney before you talk to anyone. The at-fault party will probably not admit their part in the accident. In fact, they may change their story in order to deflect any guilt.
Contact a St. Louis car accident attorney as soon as possible. Your attorney can begin an investigation to determine exactly what happened, gather evidence, and begin making your case. Important evidence will include police reports, medical records, witness statements, and any other documentation relating to the accident.
What to do
- Seek medical treatment. Seek medical treatment as soon as possible, even if it is several days after the crash. If you fail to get medical attention or keep medical appointments, the insurance company may use this against you.
- Make sure to keep all of your records. Collect witness statements, notes, police reports, insurance documents, and photographs. Any property damage to your vehicle or property contained within your vehicle that is lost or damaged in the accident should be recorded and all documents should be saved.
- Find an auto accident attorney. Your attorney will assess your case for free and determine the best course of action for protecting your case and getting the compensation you deserve.
Call a St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer
To schedule a free and private consultation, call The Hoffmann Law Firm at (314) 361-4242 or fill out our Online Case Evaluation Form.
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