Critical Steps After An Accident

Protect Yourself First

 

An accident happens in an instant, but it can have consequences that last a lifetime. In one moment you are going about the normal parts of your life and in the next moment, you or a loved one is trading insurance information, being examined by paramedics or rushed to the nearest hospital.

A day that began carrying the kids to school, communing to work, picking up the dry cleaning, running errands...it can all change in an instant. Then, in a panic and sometimes shock, what you do next is sometimes not very well thought out.

There is simply no way to plan for an accident, however there are several things that you can do following a car wreck for yourself or your loved ones if you are able.

Your first priority is to seek medical attention for the treatment of your injuries and having a medical record of your injury and treatment is important.

Next, try and get photos of any evidence, your automobile,  and your injuries. Then, make sure you keep track of all medical costs and expenses related to the accident and your injuries. Make sure to request a copy of any accident or police report and avoid signing any releases. If your insurance company is trying to make a deal with you, make sure that you get those in writing.

Insurance companies often times want to rush accident victims into insignificant settlements and with those come release forms. Unfortunately, you may not know the extent of a long-term or permanent injury for several weeks or months. On the other hand, if you haven't received an offer from the insurance company within 6 months, you may need to seek legal representation to protect your rights.

Insurance companies know that the average layperson has no real objective way to evaluate the actual monetary value of a legal claim resulting from a car crash. The adjuster who calls you may seem amicable and genuinely helpful, but the goal of the conversation is to get you to settle the claim quickly for far less than its actual value. Especially in cases where the liability of the insurance company's insured.

Linton & Associates specializes in personal injury claims and we know how to handle the mistreatment of unfair compensation from insurance companies following car wrecks. Call us and expect a free consultation and review of your case.

My name is Christopher S. Linton, Attorney at Linton and Associates Law Firm in Birmingham, Alabama. We specialize in Personal Injury, Wrongful Death, Premises and Product Liability, Auto Accidents and Infant Injury and Death.

Keywords:  What to do after an automobile accident, Personal Injury, Mistreatment of Insurance Companies.