How To Legally Get The Proper Compensation After A Car Accident
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By PAGE Editor
A car accident can be terrifying for anyone, but if you are the victim of another's negligent actions, it is even scarier. You will probably have many questions and not enough answers. It is important to know that there are people out there that are working to help victims get through this traumatic time. There are professionals who want to make sure that victims get the compensation they deserve for injuries sustained, lost wages due to missed work, property damage, medical expenses, and more. Law firms like Cohen & Marzban motorcycle accident law firm have upheld a reputation of helping clients receive proper compensation.
When you are involved in a car accident because of someone else's negligence or wrongdoing, you may be wondering what steps should be taken. Here are the steps to take to get proper compensation after a car accident.
File A Police Report
The first step in getting compensation after a car accident is to file a police report. This will establish the timeline of events and the true story of what happened. It is also good to have this record if there were any witnesses (which always helps). The police report can help you get information about your medical records, details about damages to your vehicle among other things.
Make Sure You Get Your Medical Records
Medical records are extremely important when filing an insurance claim or lawsuit. They document injuries, treatments, and pain levels; all of which are crucial pieces of evidence in court cases. Therefore it is important to obtain copies of hospital records on the day of the incident as well as your current medical treatment that may be ongoing. A good idea would be to keep a running list of all doctors and therapists that you visit within a couple of weeks post-accident.
Do not ignore any medical bill, even if it is for something you feel like you do not need such as x-rays or physical therapy. Sometimes these health services can lead to bigger problems down the line such as further injuries, lost wages due to missed work, and more. This will look bad in your case if you try to sue someone later on for causing this injury or loss of income without mentioning that you failed to take care of your medical bills when they first arose.
Get Names and Phone Numbers of Witnesses
It is always good to get the names and contact information of any eyewitnesses that saw what happened. This will give them a chance to tell their version of events in court if it comes to that point, which may sway the jury in your favor. It also does not hurt to ask family and friends who may have seen what happened (and were not involved) for their full account as well. Sometimes these people who are close to you know more than they think about an accident without realizing it. You never know how helpful this information can be until you ask!
Getting Legal Assistance After An Accident
Another step toward proper compensation after a car accident is getting legal assistance from a personal injury lawyer. It is possible to win a case without the help of a professional but this is rare and unlikely. The folks at https://www.davidchristensenlaw.com/ann-arbor-personal-injury-lawyer/traffic-collision/ recommend that it’s best to get a lawyer who specializes in these cases and can see things that you may have overlooked or not thought was important. They will also be able to give you an idea as to how much your case is worth and what you should expect from negotiations if it comes down to that point.
Stay Organized And Take Notes
It is always good to keep organized records of everything that has happened following a car accident. You should keep track of any names, phone numbers, conversations had and times when they occurred as well as copies of all medical bills submitted (and which insurance company they went through), police report numbers (if applicable) and any other documentation that may be important to your case.
Do not lose hope if the other party involved in the accident is being uncooperative. Remember that it is always their job to pay for what they did so do not let them tell you otherwise. If they refuse to compensate you for damages, lost wages, medical bills, and pain, and suffering...never hesitate to take legal action against them or press charges. You would be surprised at how much money someone will offer just to avoid further trouble!
Talk To Insurance Companies
Speak with your own insurance company (if you are seriously injured) and let them know that you were in an accident. This will start the ball rolling for compensation, but remember that it may take time to get things settled financially. It is always good to make timely payments on any bills submitted by medical professionals because this shows responsibility and intent to pay (the way it should be).
It is best to do this before speaking with the other party's insurance company; otherwise, chances are you will be stalled or told multiple times not possible due to "liability issues" when you try and submit a claim later down the road.
Do not waste any time after a car accident to start gathering information, reporting what happened, and getting yourself back on your feet. The more you do the better off you will be when it comes time to settle your case with the insurance companies or sue someone in court for compensation! Hire a lawyer.
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