If you’ve been injured in a car accident, you have plenty to concern you: your injuries, your jobs, your mounting bills. You probably already know that you can improve your chances of a full and fair settlement by retaining the services of a car accident lawyer, but there are things that you can do to help you maximize a car accident settlement or jury award before you even speak to a lawyer. This list of tips is designed to help you get your claim in order right from the start.
1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Your first priority is your health. You should not delay seeking medical treatment because you’re worried about how it might affect the outcome of your case. Even if you just suspect that you’ve been injured in an accident, you should call rescue workers to the scene via 911 and allow them to examine you. If they think you should be transported in an ambulance, go with them. This will help your attorney establish a baseline for your injuries. The fees for the ambulance and emergency room bills can be negotiated at a later time.
2. Make Sure the Police Complete an Accident Report
You might assume that this is automatic, but in accidents that don’t appear to have injuries and minor damage, many law enforcement agencies only issue drivers’ exchange forms. This is not the same as a full police report. Ask the police officers on scene when the report will be available and make sure you get the issuing officer’s name and the case number.
3. Document the Scene with Photographs AND Video
Make sure that it’s safe to exit your vehicle, and if you’re able to, take images and video of the street signs, the damage to the vehicles, debris on the roadway, skid marks, and injuries. It’s best to do this as quickly after the accident as possible. As police, rescue, and towtrucks arrive, the scene can change very quickly. Don’t only take photographs. You may miss something that’s important. Take a panoramic video to ensure that you capture all of the details.
4. Get the Names of Potential Witnesses
As you might imagine, witnesses are much more difficult to track down after they leave the scene of an accident. If you’re able to engage them right from the beginning, you can collect their contact information and give it to your attorney. If you don’t, there’s no guarantee that they will be available to testify on your behalf.
5. Keep Tracks of All of Your Accident-related Expenses
If your accident costs your money, you should be reimbursed for it. Some items might be obvious, like hospital bills, tests, scans, physical therapy appointments, et cetera. But you should also consider items like lost-wages, cost of transportation, additional care that you may require to be reimbursable. Keeping a running total on a ledger or spreadsheet can help make sure that you don’t miss money that you’re owed.
Remember, car accident cases can be extremely complicated. Car accident attorneys, like the ones that you’ll find at the Chappell Law Group, can make enough of a difference so that you can maximize your claim while covering their fees. Car accident lawyers in Florida work on a contingency basis with no out-of-pocket costs.
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