Nobody expects to be injured in automobile accidents, but every day there are thousands of collisions on the nation’s roadways. And even when there are no serious injuries to anyone involved, the aftermath of a wreck can be a nightmare.
If you’re involved in an automobile accident, you need to work with an experienced attorney who can help you protect your rights and you receive the compensation you deserve.
What Should You Do After a Car Accident?
There are several things you should do immediately following an accident. If you are seriously injured, the most important thing you can do is seek emergency medical treatment. Contact 911 or go directly to the emergency room.
If you’re involved in an accident where there are no serious injuries, you should do the following before seeing your doctor:
- Collect names and contact information of everyone involved
- Collect the insurance information from everyone involved
- Make notes about anything that was said by drivers, passengers, witnesses, and law enforcement
- Contact your insurance company and inform them about the accident
- Schedule one or more consultations with attorney specializing in automobile accidents
Do I Really Need to See a Doctor?
Put simply, yes. Even if your injuries are minor or there seem to be no injuries at all, you should still seek medical attention.
It’s possible to feel fine immediately following an accident, but an injury can present itself within hours or days after the event. The smartest thing you can do is start a paper trail regarding the effects of the accident on your body.
DO NOT Sign Anything without Speaking to Your Attorney
Chances are you’ll be contacted by at least one insurance company following an accident, and there’s a chance you’ll be presented with documents including details of a settlement offer.
There’s also a chance the offer will seem generous and the person contacting you will seem compassionate and genuinely concerned about your well-being.
You are being misled.
Insurance companies will use anything and everything to encourage you to settle quickly and for as little money as possible. They are not on your side.
It’s true: most auto accident lawsuits end in a settlement. In most cases, negotiations are involved and the settlement is for a much higher amount than initially offered. Your attorney can help you negotiate the best possible settlement and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Contacting an Attorney
The days, weeks, and months following a car accident can feel overwhelming. This is especially true if you must focus on healing from serious injuries. The last thing you want to do when your health has been jeopardized is field calls from insurance companies and attorneys who aren’t acting on your behalf.
An experienced attorney can work on your behalf and ensure that any settlement you are offered is fair. He or she can also deal with medical billing attempts and other collection efforts. You should never be held financially accountable for the cost of your medical care after an automobile accident that was not your fault. We have extensive experience working with accident victims and ensuring their rights are protected.
To speak to an attorney about your rights after an accident or to discuss other details of your situation, contact the Law Office of Robert M. Geller at (813) 337-7798.
