Tips for Auto Accident Injuries

An automobile accident is often a confusing, scary event during which emotions run high. Sometimes, especially if there are significant injuries to any drivers or passengers, the necessary and important steps which should be taken after a car accident are neglected. If you have been injured in an auto accident, you can follow the steps below to ensure that your legal bases are covered.

–Obtain a Police Report:

If you are reading this article, chances are you are reading it from home or from a hospital if your injuries are severe. The car accident which caused your injuries probably happened at least a couple of days ago, maybe more. While there are indeed many important steps to take at the scene of an automobile accident, oftentimes the injured are whisked away in an ambulance and therefore do not have the chance to engage witnesses or gather information. So, if that is the case, what should you do now? You should contact the responding agency and request a police report of the traffic accident. If it was the state police who responded, contact them. Or, perhaps it was the county officers who took the report. Either way, obtaining a copy of the police report describing your accident is necessary for assessing who was at fault.

–Contact Your Insurance Company:

Next, get in touch with your insurance company to report the car accident. The company needs to be made aware due to any potential liability on your part. In addition, your insurance is most likely going to be responsible for your medical care and treatment, and any aftercare you may require. Be sure to ask the claims adjuster you speak with if there are any forms you need to fill out in order to receive appropriate coverage.

–Be Wary of Phone Calls or Letters:

The at-fault driver in the car accident will likely have insurance coverage as well. If the driver contacts his or her insurance company to report the accident, the company may in turn attempt to contact you. Oftentimes an insurance company which knows its client is at fault for an accident will try to contact the injured person to settle quickly and prevent a lawsuit.
Be aware that there are many important factors which need to be considered prior to entering into any settlement agreement. Most often in cases of serious injuries, the treating physician will not know a full prognosis for weeks or months after the initial injury. It is best to avoid speaking to or signing any papers from the opposing insurance company without proper counsel.

–Contact a Personal Injury Attorney:

As soon as you are able, you should contact an attorney who specializes in personal injury cases resulting from automobile accidents. An attorney will be able to review the police report you obtained, along with your insurance policy, to determine what coverage you are entitled to from your own insurance. Also, he or she will initiate and maintain contact with the at-fault driver's insurance company regarding a settlement.
If you were injured in a car accident, ensure that you receive all of the benefits to which you are entitled–contact a personal injury attorney today.