After an auto accident your life might not be the same. You may suffer from serious injuries that require costly treatment over weeks or months. If you have severe injuries you may have to go through rehabilitative services to fully recover. No matter how serious your injuries are after an accident, if you are hurt there are certain steps that you should take. As a trusted and experienced auto accident lawyer like one from Yearin Law Office can tell you, taking the right action can help you protect your rights and also strengthen your chances of having a claim approved. Know these steps if you find yourself injured after an auto accident.
Call the police and first responders
If a person was injured or the accident caused much property damage, you are required by law to attempt to call the police and inform them that you were involved in an accident. Request first responders so they can treat any injured parties. Note that calling the police doesn’t mean they will actually arrive at the accident scene immediately. If they have other incidents that need their attention, they may not arrive to collect your statement. You can obtain a copy of the police report in the next few days when it’s ready to learn more about how the accident occurred.
Get evaluated by a doctor
A medical report is one of the strongest pieces of evidence in an auto accident claim. The doctor’s findings establish credibility and support your claim in case the insurance company disputes it. Some people who have minor or moderate injuries after an accident decide not to receive medical attention right away, which can be a big mistake. If you do this, your claim may be rejected because you do not have a medical report to back it up.
Document the accident scene
If you are able to, take photos and record video of the accident scene or have someone else take them for you. It is critical that you document as much of the damage as you can. Take photos of both the interior and exterior of your vehicle from all different angles, as well as skid marks and debris. It is better to take too many photos than not enough. An auto accident lawyer can go over the evidence and determine which would be most beneficial for your case.
Take the right steps to protect yourself and maximize your chances of having your claim approved. For more assistance, contact a top auto accident lawyer who can help you.