Car accidents injure or kill people every day. That’s the harsh reality we live in. And although you never think it will happen to you, inevitably, at least once in our lifetime most of us can expect to be involved in some type of car accident. How severe that accident is, or how badly it impacts you will vary, but if you’re injured in a car accident, there are four things you need to know.
1. Don’t accept a settlement from the insurance company right away
If you’ve been involved in a car accident, the insurance company wants to close the file as quickly as possible, at the lowest possible cost. But because some injuries may not be noticeable at first, it’s best to not accept any settlement offers right away.
And don’t tell the insurance company “you’re fine” until you’ve been assessed by a medical professional because they’ll use that to discredit any injuries that may show up at a later date, such as whiplash.
2. Don’t minimize your injury by thinking it’s just a sore neck, back or leg
Make sure you get medical attention immediately so there’s a record of the treatment. As previously noted, not all injuries are immediately evident, so it’s important to get checked out by a medical professional who knows what to look for.
Even minor injuries can take time to heal, so make sure you’re taking care of yourself as best you can. And if you feel like your injury is worse than you first thought, don’t be afraid to get a second opinion or ask for a referral to a specialist.
3. Don’t wait to find an experienced lawyer
As soon as you’re able after the accident, and especially if you feel like the insurance company is going to be difficult, find a lawyer experienced in personal injury claims. Look for someone who isn’t just about collecting a payout, but who is concerned about your well-being and recovery first and foremost.
A car accident lawyer with a proven track record in these types of cases is best suited to handle your injury claim.
4. Don’t slack off. Diarize your injuries and recovery
No matter how minor, it’s important to document your injuries and issues each day. Should your claim go to trial, a diary of how you felt each day and how your injuries impacted your ability to go about your day can be valuable testimony. Keep track if you have a headache or a sore back.
Did your injury impact your ability to do your job, did you go to the doctor for follow-up appointments or a physiotherapist for treatment. What medication did you take; even it’s just an aspirin? Is your injury making it difficult to sleep or exercise as you normally would? The more detail you keep track of, the better.
There are a lot of personal injury law firms around town. To find the one that’s right for you, ask them for a free initial consultation and then ask them all the things you need to know. How they get compensated, what they can do for you, how long it might take and what happens next is a great place to start.
