When you’ve been injured in an accident, your world has been turned upside down. You may be in shock, dealing with pain from injuries, and not sure what to do next. You will receive calls from the other party’s insurance company, and they will push you to settle the claim. Though your world is spinning, it’s imperative to follow these steps.
Never Admit Fault or Give a Statement
You mustn’t discuss the details of your case with the other party’s insurance company or anyone else. Remember that anything you say can and will be used against you, and people often speak about things as they see them and not as they happened. When it comes to making a police report, don’t admit fault to the accident. The officers will determine who is at fault based on the schematics.
Seek Medical Attention
Even if you feel your injuries are minor or soft tissue related, you must seek medical care right away. If you deny medical treatment at the scene, make sure you go to your family doctor or the emergency room within 24 hours. Should you need to file a claim to be reimbursed for your injuries, your personal injury attorney will need these medical bills as a basis.
Don’t Try to Negotiate Without Legal Assistance
Insurance companies don’t want to deal with an attorney because they know that they will need to pay much more to resolve the issue. They will do everything they can to help you quickly settle the claim. You don’t want to make a deal too soon as your medical expenses may not be fully known. Plus, the insurance companies will do anything they can to keep from paying you what is rightfully due.
The Law Limits the Time You Can File
Don’t delay in filing a claim for an accident caused by the neglect of someone else. The law dictates how much time you must file, and for most areas, you have two years. If you don’t file within these time perimeters, then your case won’t be heard in court. Check your local statute for more information.
Having an accident or being injured at the hands of someone else is a devastating experience. Once you get your police report, you should contact an attorney for help. They can assist you in getting the compensation you deserve. While they can’t take away your injuries, having the money to cover lost wages, as well as pain and suffering, can help.
Author information: Lizzie Weakley is a freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio. In her free time, she enjoys the outdoors and walks in the park with her three-year-old husky, Snowball.
