Understanding Your Rights: What to Do if You’re Injured in a Car Accident
You may be entitled to financial compensation if you have been injured in a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence. However, the actions you take in the days and weeks following your accident are vital to the success of your claim. If you have been injured and don’t know what to do, protect yourself and your rights by contacting an experienced car accident attorney.
Get a Thorough Medical Exam
If you need to pursue a claim for compensation, you will need to prove that you were injured as a result of the accident. The only way to do that is by having medical records that document your injuries and that they were caused by the accident.
Follow Your Doctor’s Orders
One of the most common mistakes people make is failing to report injuries on the scene, obtaining a police report or exchange of information and failing to follow your recommended treatment can be used as evidence that you are not as injured as you claim.
Keep Copies of Everything
Even if it was obviously the other driver’s fault, you will still need to prove your claim. This means that you will need to submit evidence to the insurance company. Your evidence will consist primarily of documents such as your medical records and bills, your accident report, and your paystubs reflecting lost income. You should keep a copy of any paperwork that documents the accident, your injuries, or your financial losses caused by the accident.
Be Very Careful When Talking to Insurance Companies
Similar to being arrested and charged with a crime, anything you say to an insurance company can be used against you. As a result, you must be very careful when speaking with them. Here are some tips to keep in mind when speaking with the insurance company representatives:
- Stick to the basic facts, such as the date, time, and location of your accident.
- Do not admit any wrongdoing, even if you think you may be partially at fault.
- Do not speculate as to what happened or what caused the accident.
- Do not make any definitive statements about the extent of your injuries. Tell them that you are undergoing medical treatment and that you do not yet know the full extent of your injuries or how long it will take to recover.
Do Not Accept Any Settlement Offers Without Talking to a Lawyer
You may be surprised by how quickly the insurance company offers to settle your case. However, most drivers do not realize that they waive any additional claims upon acceptance of the offer. As a result, they may settle their claim for less than their claim is worth and wind up with bills they can’t pay.
Contact a Car Accident Attorney at Difilippo & Pica, PLLC
The best thing to do after a car accident to protect your rights is to contact an experienced car accident attorney. At Difilippo & Pica, PLLC, we can review your case to determine whether you have a viable claim. We will assist you through every step of the process, including assisting with your vehicle repairs and coordinating medical treatment. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.