Personal Injury Lawyer
Unfortunately, car accidents are far too common. Though many of these only cause minor injuries and damage, some can be life-altering. In addition to getting help from your insurance company, you may also be entitled to financial help by filing a personal injury lawsuit. This might be the right course if someone else’s negligence caused the incident and effects. If you’re thinking about pursuing this course, pay attention to some key aspects of the process.
Gather Your Own Evidence
Immediately after your car accident, you should call the police. An officer will arrive on the scene and investigate the cause. The offending party will likely receive a citation. However, you can do your own due diligence by compiling information. Speak to witnesses and get their point of view of what happened. Take pictures of the damage to your vehicle and of any injuries you or others suffered. Write down your account of how the collision took place and what led to it.
Seek Medical Help
Even if you feel OK and have no visible injuries, it’s always best to see a doctor. A qualified physician can examine you and check for internal issues. If you have serious injuries, you should go directly from the scene to a hospital. Being proactive and getting a doctor’s diagnosis and treatment will play a large part in getting the outcome you want from your case.
File an Insurance Claim
There’s no need to wait to speak with your insurance agent. In most states, you should file a claim within 30 days of the incident. Delaying beyond this time frame could void your claim. When you speak to your agent, give the person as much detail as you can about the accident. If the police report deemed that the other party was at fault, you should call the other driver’s insurance company within 30 days as well.
Speak To an Attorney and File a Lawsuit
If the other driver’s actions were negligent or malicious, speak with a car accident lawyer, such as from Barry P. Goldberg, right away. An experienced attorney will evaluate whether your injury case has merit. Usually, you will have two years from the time of the incident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Your attorney will make sure you take all the necessary steps to meet this deadline.
The effects of a car accident can be physically, emotionally and financially severe. Going this route can give you peace of mind and closure.