Last Updated on February 5, 2024 by John Robinson
It is devastating enough to get involved in a vehicular accident. Seeking damages for it shouldn’t feel the same way either. Here are some important details you need to remember to get the best possible claims out of this unfortunate event.
Preserve the scene
Before anything else, you should be able to preserve the scene of the incident as is. As much as possible do not allow the area to be contaminated or tampered with by any means. A simple change in the position or removal of objects can bear a significant impact on the outcome of the investigation. Thus, it is very crucial to keep the site intact to allow the authorities to gather more accurate details of the accident.
Immediately report the incident to the local law enforcement.
Alert the local law enforcement as soon as the accident occurs. They are the right persons in authority to conduct the legal investigation at the scene of the accident. Their documentation is vital in determining what had really transpired and which party is at fault. If you are on the victim’s side, their report will be one of the legal basis of your claims.
Some people might opt not to involve law enforcement and would rather offer to settle the damages on their own. Nevertheless, you as a victim risk the guarantee that the other party will fulfill his legal obligations to you. He might agree now but turn his back on you the next day.
Without the proper documentation of the authorities, this battle now becomes a “he-said, she-said” kind of dispute. Be very cautious of that. This is not a favorable situation for you to be in as a victim.
Gather the witnesses’ contact information.
If you still can, it is always wiser to gather the witnesses’ basic contact information like name, address, and mobile number. You might need to get in touch with these people in the near future. In cases where it reaches court trials, you need these witnesses to testify on your behalf to prove your claims.
Get the appropriate medical attention.
Serious or not serious, it is a must to get proper treatments and diagnostics for your injuries. Not only does this address your immediate physical needs. But, this is also one way to legally document the extent of the injuries you incurred from the accident.
Your medical report will also serve as a major basis for your insurance claims. Describe every detail to your physician. So, every pain, bruise, scratch, laceration, or worse, must be duly accounted for. Do this immediately after the incident. Do not wait another day as this may give the insurance the leeway to doubt and question the legitimacy of your injuries.
Hire an experienced attorney.
An attorney will always put the best interest of its clients first. One of the biggest advantages of hiring them is that it allows you to be properly guided throughout the entire process. With legal assistance, you will have a better edge in knowing and standing up for your rights. You are less likely to be downplayed by the other party or even your own insurance. And thus, increasing your chances to acquire the best possible compensation appropriate for your situation. Its important you get an experience attorney that has experience with a car accident case like yours.
With an experienced attorney to represent you, you are also minimizing your exposure to additional stress. Nevertheless, you should know that their legal services might come with a hefty fee. Then again, if they can work out a better compensation then it is a worthy win-win situation for your both.
Keep a detailed diary of your condition.
I know this sounds like a whole lot of work. But, keeping a diary of your situation right after the accident occurs enables you to have proper and accurate documentation for your claims. The journal can include the progress of your injuries, treatments, rehabilitation, expenses, and any other activities related to the car accident.
You have to understand that seeking damages does not happen overnight. It might take you months or even years to finally get the compensation. And over time, your memory might not be as crystal clear as it was way back the day the accident happened.
So, for the time being, it is ideal to keep daily accounts of your situation. That way, should there be a trial, you will not have a hard time recollecting the details. Plus, you have a black and white attestation of your condition post the incident.
Be patient.
Recovering from serious injuries may take a good while to fully heal. More so, the process of seeking damages may take even longer. Especially, when there are complex lawsuits involved. Hence, your best armor of defense is to be consistent and be patient.
Wrapping Up:
The entire process of seeking damages for car accidents can be quite a long and winding road. But, with proper knowledge and legal assistance, this shouldn’t be as painful and troublesome as it is. So, be wise, know the right people to turn to, and be guided accordingly.
