The 5 Essential Steps to Take after an Auto Accident
Posted in Car Accident on September 27, 2018
At Matt Hardin Law, we’ve helped many people get compensation after they were hurt in car accidents. During our decades of practice, we’ve learned that the most successful claims often have a few things in common—including the steps that victims take immediately after their crashes.
Although it can be difficult for victims to think about everything that goes into a compensation claim when they’re injured, just a few simple steps can make a dramatic difference in their recoveries and their chances of getting the money they deserve.
If you or someone you love was recently hurt in a crash that wasn’t your fault, our Nashville auto accident lawyers are here to help. The sooner you contact us, the better off you’ll be. That’s because we’ll advise you on the next steps to take while handling all communication and negotiation with the insurance company on your behalf.
Trust our experience and our dedication to our clients. Call us at (615) 200-1111 or submit a free online contact form. Our consultations are always free, and there’s no obligation. We can evaluate your case and help you decide on the right moves in the coming days, weeks, and months for you and your loved ones.
Protect Your Health and Your Rights to Compensation
There’s a lot at stake in the immediate aftermath of an auto accident. Your well-being and your financial security both may be at risk, and the steps you take and decisions you make can have major consequences on both for months or even years to come.
Following these five steps can help you avoid serious health complications and maximize your chances of getting fair compensation for your medical bills and lost wages:
- Call 911 and cooperate with police and emergency responders. Calling 911 after an auto accident almost goes without saying, but many victims fail to follow up on the second part of that step—being cooperative with police and emergency responders when they arrive at the scene. Never leave the scene of an accident until police arrive and speak with you, and always be honest about what happened. If you suffered serious injuries in the crash, let emergency responders treat you at the scene and go to a hospital right away. If you don’t need urgent medical attention, stay at the scene until police tell you that you’re free to leave.
- Get a professional medical diagnosis and treatment of your injuries. Traveling to the hospital via ambulance may be necessary if your injuries are severe. But even if you don’t think you were seriously injured, it’s still vital that you get medical treatment right away. That’s because some injuries take time to show up, especially after adrenaline fades and pain sets in. In addition, getting treated by a doctor or other healthcare professional results in a medical record of your injuries, which will serve as valuable evidence for your claim.
- Collect as much as evidence and documentation of the crash as possible. Not all auto accident victims are able to complete this step due to their injuries, but it’s helpful when it can be completed. If you’re capable of doing so, get contact information, including name and cell phone numbers, from the other driver and witnesses. Taking pictures of the crash scene and your injuries is also helpful and can be used as evidence. Finally, write down what happened before the events of the day fade from your memory.
- Call a Nashville auto accident attorney. The other driver’s insurance company may begin building a case against you immediately. Remember—insurance companies are in business to make big profits, and paying fair settlements to every victim who needs compensation isn’t how they accomplish that. Having a lawyer on your side means you can level the playing field right away, and it also protects you from the insurance company’s tactics. When we take on your claim, we also take on all communication related to your case. That means you won’t have to worry about saying the wrong thing to the adjuster or accepting a settlement offer that isn’t enough for your expenses.
- Focus on getting better and avoid talking about your claim and your accident. After we’ve taken on your claim, your priority should be focusing on your recovery and your family. That means following all of your doctor’s orders and instructions by participating in physical rehabilitation and avoiding strenuous work whenever possible. It’s also important to remember that the insurance company won’t give up when it comes to reducing or denying your claim, even when you have a lawyer on your side. Many auto accident victims unknowingly jeopardize their chances of getting compensation by posting about their claims or crashes on social media. Adjusters are known to view victims’ social media accounts, so keep those details between you, your loved ones, and your attorney.
Get Our Experienced and Dedicated Legal Representation on Your Side Today
It can be difficult to “let go” of your claim and your quest for pursuing compensation when you call an attorney. But rest assured—our legal team has your best interests in mind from the day we meet you until the day you get your check. Our Nashville car accident lawyers know how to build successful claims for victims like you, and we know how to stay one step ahead of the insurance company.
If you have questions or concerns about the status of your case or the progress we’re making, feel free to contact us at any time. We’re here to help you get the peace of mind you deserve after your accident, and keeping you in the loop about everything we do is a major part of that.
Don’t accept just any legal representation after your crash. Get a law firm that cares—get Matt Hardin Law.
