When you are injured in a car accident, you can take on a lot more debt than you might realize. Emergency transportation, treatment, and ongoing medical care can cost you tens of thousands or even more – and you’ll be liable to pay it all on your own if you can’t recover compensation.
That’s why it’s crucial to take certain measures as soon as possible to protect your recovery. Keep reading more to learn how you can increase your odds of achieving meaningful compensation for your injuries.
Call 9-1-1 As Soon As Possible
When you are injured to any degree in a car accident, contact 9-1-1 for emergency assistance. Medical responders will assist you in getting out of your vehicle, render emergency medical care, and transport you to a hospital for further treatment.
Not only is calling 9-1-1 essential to protecting your health, but it can also protect your future car accident injury claim. Failing to do so can raise questions in the future about the actual severity of your injuries and if they were not as severe as you claim. This can do a lot of damage by potentially reducing what you can recover in compensation.
Get the Other Party’s Information
You can’t hold someone responsible for causing your injuries if you can’t identify them. That’s why it’s essential to make sure you get essential information about the identity and insurance of the driver who hit you.
Information about the other party that you’ll need to start your claim includes the following:
- Name
- Address
- Phone Number
- Email Address
- Insurance Carrier
- Policy Number
- License Plate
- Make, Model & Year of Vehicle
Without this essential information, you may not be able to track down who the other party was after you leave the accident scene.
Document the Accident Scene
Prevailing in a car accident injury lawsuit requires demonstrating that you were not at fault for the accident. Be sure to document the damage done to each vehicle, the overall scene, the weather, road conditions, and any road signs that can show the other driver was negligent, and you should be justly compensated for your injuries.
Document Your Injuries
You should also document your injuries. This means taking photos and videos that show bruises, lacerations, and other injuries that may heal past recognition over time. You should also request all medical records related to your treatment for your injuries. Additionally, you may want to consider keeping a journal to chronicle your post-accident pain and experience with your injuries.
All of this information can together demonstrate the actual severity of the injuries you suffered as a result of the accident.
Never Admit Fault
Under no circumstances should you ever admit fault for the accident. Even a statement that implies you think you may be at fault, without directly stating so, can be enough to severely damage your claim.
When asked about your condition by the other party or an insurance adjuster, it’s OK to refuse to answer – and it might be in your best interest to do so.
We Can Help with Your Car Accident Injury Claim
Smolich and Smolich has many years of experience advocating for clients with personal injury claims. Our attorneys are legal representatives you can trust to do everything that’s necessary to help you recover meaningful compensation for your injuries.
In addition to the tips above, one of the best ways to protect your claim is to contact a car accident injury lawyer for assistance. If you’d like to learn more about how we can help, we encourage you to reach out to us today.
Get started by contacting Smolich and Smolich online now!