If you have been injured in a car accident that wasn’t your fault, you might not have many choices other than to file a personal injury claim. Sadly, it isn’t as simple as it sounds. The process can take a toll on your wallet, energy, and time depending on the complexity of the accident, the type of injuries you sustained, and other parties involved.
Fortunately, you don’t have to worry about finances as there are institutions such as Baker Street Funding LLC that can help you get the amount you need while your lawsuit is pending. So, what steps can you take to ensure you receive full compensation for your injuries? Here are five steps to guide you.
Call the Police and Report the Accident
Whether it is a minor or a major accident involving multiple cars, it’s essential to alert the authorities immediately after an accident. You will need a police report when filing an insurance claim from your insurance company and when filing for a car accident claim. Law enforcement will do the preliminary investigation, examine the accident scene, interview all parties and their party witnesses, inspect the vehicles, and provide a detailed explanation of who was at fault.
Obtain Information from the Other Driver and Witnesses
If your injuries allow you, take the name of the police officer who questioned you, the contact information of the other driver, and other witnesses at the scene. Witnesses might not wait until the police arrive to give their statement, and if they leave without leaving any contact information, you will be left in a situation where it’s just your word against the other driver.
Seek Immediate Medical Treatment
If you or someone else was injured in the accident, seeking medical attention immediately can help save a life and win a compensation case. On the other hand, delaying medical treatment or failing to communicate the extent of your injuries can be used against you. Lawyers might argue that you were not hurt, or the injuries you’re reporting were caused by something else after the accident. In other words, if you don’t receive any medical treatment immediately after the accident, you risk losing the case.
Let your doctor know everything about your accident, where the injuries occurred, and other medical issues you might have. For example, accidents can often worsen a condition that you had, such as trauma.
Describe Your Injuries in Detail
During your initial treatment, describe your injuries in detail. Your doctor will keep a record of your complaints and injuries. Never ignore pain after an accident, no matter how minor it may seem. This pain could worsen with time and lead to serious health injuries. Let your doctor know about any pains or parts that you feel were affected by the accident. Get comprehensive diagnostic tests and keep a record of these if you provide them in a court of law.
Look for an Experienced Car Accident Attorney
When filing a claim after a car accident, the first thing you need to know is that the insurance company and other people involved in the case are preparing their defense. You’ll be fighting a big team doing everything they can to pay as little claim as they can. That’s why you need to hire an experienced attorney to represent you.
People represented by attorneys receive two to three times more compensation than unrepresented individuals. Your attorney will fight to ensure you receive full compensation for your injuries. An experienced attorney can guide you through the process. Don’t forget to be patient as you seek a recovery from your injuries.
