There are over six million car accidents in the United States every year. That’s an average of over 16,000 accidents per day. The chances of being involved in a car accident are pretty high, but being seriously injured in a car accident is relatively low. Still, tens of thousands of people are injured in car accidents every year. If you’re one of the unlucky few injured in a car accident, here’s what you should do.
Get Your Medical Records
After being injured in a car accident, the first thing you should do is get your medical records. These records will document your injuries and be important if you decide to file a personal injury lawsuit. Contact the hospital or doctor’s office where you were treated and ask for copies of your records to get your medical records.
If you experienced serious injuries, you might have been transferred to a different hospital or seen by multiple doctors. In this case, you’ll need to get copies of your records from each hospital or doctor’s office. Once you have your medical records, you should make copies and keep the originals in a safe place. You’ll need them if you decide to file a personal injury lawsuit.
Contact Your Lawyer
If you were injured in a car accident, you should contact a personal injury lawyer. A personal injury lawyer at www.samandashlaw.com will review your case and advise you on what to do next. They may also be able to help you file a personal injury lawsuit. Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency basis, which means they don’t get paid unless you win your case. For this reason, it’s usually worth it to at least consult with a personal injury lawyer after being injured in a car accident.
Don’t make any side deals with the other driver. All talks of settlements should go through your lawyer. The other driver may try to lowball you or pressure you to accept a lower settlement than what you deserve. An experienced car accident attorney will also handle all communication with the insurance companies. This is important because insurance adjusters are trained to minimize the amount of money an insurance company has to payout.
If you’re not sure whether or not you need a lawyer, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and consult with one. Most personal injury lawyers offer free consultations, so it won’t cost you anything to at least speak with one.
Start an Auto Insurance Claim
If you were injured in a car accident, you should start an auto insurance claim. Your insurance company will likely require you to fill out some paperwork and may ask you for copies of your medical records. It’s important to note that you should never give the other driver’s insurance company a recorded statement. The other driver’s insurance company is not on your side and will use anything you say against you.
Some providers may require that you see one of their doctors for an examination. This is known as an “Independent Medical Examination” or “IME.” If your insurance company requires that you see an IME, have your lawyer present. The auto insurance claims process can be complicated and time-consuming. For this reason, it’s important to start the claims process as soon as possible after being injured in a car accident.
Get in Touch With Your Insurance Company
You’ll need to notify your insurer of the accident and determine what kind of coverage you have. If you have collision coverage, your insurer will pay to repair your car. If you have liability coverage, your insurer will pay for any damage you caused to other people or property in the accident. You might also have personal injury protection (PIP) coverage if you were injured in the accident. PIP coverage will pay for your medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses related to your injuries.
Once you’ve contacted your insurance company, you’ll need to file a claim. Your insurer will then send an adjuster to investigate the accident and determine how much they’re willing to pay. If you’re not happy with the amount your insurance company offers, you can negotiate with them or hire a lawyer to help you get the compensation you deserve.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, the best thing to do is consult with a personal injury lawyer. They will advise you on what to do next and may also be able to help you file a personal injury lawsuit. Don’t make any side deals with the other driver, and always have your lawyer present if you’re required to attend an Independent Medical Examination. Finally, start an auto insurance claim and notify your insurance company of the accident.