Some people aren’t injured in accidents. They don’t suffer any injuries and walk away without a scratch. Some are obviously injured, and others begin to experience symptoms a few hours or even days after the crash. After an accident, you want to protect not only your property rights but also your rights involving any personal injury claim that you might have. Here are the four best things you can do to protect them.
Call 911 for Police and Paramedics
You’ll want a police accident report because it contains all contact and insurance information for the person who caused the accident. If there were independent witnesses, the report is likely to contain their contact information too. Your attorney can interview those witnesses to aid in determining liability.
Get Examined
According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, 2.34 million people are injured in motor vehicle accidents every year. If you’ve been injured, you’ll want paramedics at the scene. The first reason is that they’ll examine and treat you at the scene, and then they’ll transport you to the emergency room for further examination and treatment. Records of care and treatment are the foundation of any personal injury claim. Your case begins with the paramedics’ records and it continues with the records of examination from the emergency room. You’ve started the process of documenting your injuries.
Don’t Give a Statement to the Other Side
The insurer of the party who caused the accident might contact you and ask to take your statement. Politely refuse to give one. According to Trammell and Mills Law Firm LLC, there are no laws requiring you to give that statement without your attorney being present on your behalf. There will be a time in the future when you’ll be required to give that statement, but your attorney will tell you when and where you’ll give it. Your attorney will also prepare you for that statement and be present with you when you give it.
Attend All of Your Medical Appointments
In your medical records, the opposing insurer will be looking for missed medical appointments or gaps in treatment, and then it will use them against you to raise issues about possible faking or malingering. Be sure to attend each and every medical appointment that you have.
Being responsible with your case is of great help to your attorneys. You’ll help in maximizing any settlement or verdict.
Author information: Anica Oaks is a professional content and copywriter who graduated from the University of San Francisco. She loves dogs, the ocean, and anything outdoor-related. She was raised in a big family, so she’s used to putting things to a vote. Also, cartwheels are her specialty. You can connect with Anica here.
