Car accidents are traumatic experiences that people hope never to go through. Victims may suffer significant property damage, physical injuries, and mental trauma.
It is no secret that cyclists and pedestrians are the most vulnerable road users, and crashes involving them could be devastating. In the wake of an accident, it is normal to feel confused. During this time, you might not know how to respond to the events happening around you. So, consider speaking to accident lawyer Felix Gonzalez.
If you are involved in a road accident, here is a step-by-step guideline on what to do
Steps to Take After an Accident
After an accident, do the following:
Step 1: Seek Medical Attention
The first step is to guarantee your health and safety. If you were not severely injured, move away from flowing traffic to a safe location and then call the paramedics.
Always get checked out even if you are not experiencing any pain. Some symptoms like back pain, neck pain, and internal bleeding may take time to show.
Keep all medical reports and bills safe, as you will use them in your compensation claim. Never miss doctor appointments, as insurance companies could use them against you to dismiss your claims.
Step 2: Call the Relevant Authorities
The next step is to notify the police of the accident. They will gather evidence and file a report based on the information collected from the scene. A police report will be helpful when filing a personal injury claim as the court could use it to determine the at-fault party.
After the report has been made, ask for a copy and the contact details of the officer who did the report.
Step 3: Get the Details of the Involved Parties
Ensure you get all involved parties’ names, addresses, and insurance details. This includes the driver of the vehicle and witnesses.
After getting everyone’s details, notify your insurance company of the accident. As a pedestrian, you may have an insurance policy covering your family or household. Contact them and ask about their policy for personal injuries and property damage.
Be careful not to discuss any details on fault or liability. Similarly, do not provide any recorded or written statements without the help of a lawyer. Insurance companies could use this information against you in the long run.
Step 4: Gather Evidence
Take various photos of the accident scene from multiple angles. These will help determine the circumstances leading to the accident. While taking the images, ensure you capture the vehicle registration and insurance policy details.
Step 5: Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer
Filing a personal injury claim can be challenging. There are lots of documents to be submitted and deadlines to be met, and unless you are familiar with the legal requirements, you may miss something. Additionally, you may struggle to complete the process if you are still recovering from the accident injuries.
Hiring a lawyer lessens the burden of filing an injury claim as they will handle all the paperwork, contact insurance companies, and show up in court on your behalf. An experienced attorney will help you when giving statements to insurance companies by ensuring that they cannot use the information you provide against you.
A good attorney will also calculate the value of your losses, thereby protecting you from under-compensation. They will ensure that you are reimbursed for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Remember, unrepresented plaintiffs often receive less compensation than their counterparts with legal representation.
Conclusion
No matter how careful you are, you might still be involved in an accident. It is normal to feel confused and disoriented at the time. The measures taken after an accident will ultimately affect your safety and compensation claim.
Safety always comes first; therefore, always seek medical attention before doing anything else. Document everything and keep all documents safe. Finally, hire a lawyer to help with filing a personal injury claim.
