An Injury from a Car Accident Can Cause Serious Issues
After any car accident, you’ll want to move your vehicle to the side of the road (if possible) and exchange insurance information with the others involved. If you or anyone else is seriously injured, you’ll want to call for medical help right away. You should also call the police so there is a report on file. The police report will show the details of the accident as well as the officer’s impressions of the crash, such as liability. You’ll want to obtain a copy of this report, as this can bolster your personal injury claim.
Your insurance company can handle most accident claims. However, if the crash caused significant damage or injuries, you should probably have a lawyer on your side. If you suffered injuries, you’ll also want to follow the correct process so you can obtain compensation without having to pay for your medical bills out of pocket. You get only chance to file a claim, so make it count.
If you have suffered an injury accident in Mississippi or Arkansas, read on to find out the next steps.
Seeking Medical Attention
You may feel fine after an accident, but that’s because adrenaline is so high following a crash. Once you rest, you’ll likely notice the pain. Some injuries do not present themselves until weeks or even months later, but you don’t want to wait that long. The longer you wait, the less likely it will appear that the crash caused your injuries. Therefore, you want to seek medical help as soon as possible following an accident.
A medical professional can identify medical issues that you may not know existed. This helps you get treated quicker so you can start the healing process before your symptoms worsen. Headaches, neck and shoulder pain, back pain, abdominal swelling, numbness, and mental or physical changes are common after an accident. However, these symptoms often don’t present themselves right away, so by the time you notice them, it may be too late to receive compensation for them.
Documenting Your Case
The best way to strengthen your claim is to document everything. Take notes on the medical treatment you receive. Note the names and addresses of the doctors, chiropractors and other medical professionals you visit. You also want to save all receipts for medical expenses, such as procedures, tests, prescriptions and medical devices. If you incur travel expenses for medical appointments, keep track of those as well.
Keep track of other losses you have suffered as well. Have you taken time off work? Have you had to hire someone to take care of you? Are you now disabled and unable to perform daily tasks? How intense is your pain and suffering? Are you feeling depressed or under a lot of emotional distress? These are all damages for which you can recover compensation.
A picture is worth a thousand words. Have someone take photos of all the injuries you suffered in the crash. This will prove the severity of your injuries and help you receive more compensation.
It’s also a good idea to keep a diary of your injuries. You should include daily journal entries about your symptoms and severity, as well as any discussions you have had with your doctor about your progress.
Filing a Claim
You will need to file a claim with your insurance company so you can get your vehicle repaired and receive compensation for your injuries. Do keep in mind, however, that your insurance company will likely not pay for all of your expenses. Their goal is for you to settle for a low amount. While you might want to quickly settle and move on, this is not in your best interests.
If you are suffering from serious, long-term injuries, it’s time to get a personal injury lawyer involved. A lawyer can help you deal with your insurance company as well as place a value on your damages. Personal injury lawyers have experience dealing with car accidents and can help you understand your legal rights. They also are familiar with the various types of damages you may suffer in a crash and how much money you can obtain for these damages.
What to Avoid
After a car accident, insurance companies will analyze every detail and every word you say. Insurance companies are trying to get you to admit fault so they won’t have to pay your deductible and they can subsequently raise your premiums. Don’t fall for their tricks. Don’t even say “I’m sorry.” This may seem rude, but it’s considered an admission of guilt. You want to avoid any actions that could imply guilt. Even if you think you might be at fault, let the insurance company decide.
Do not settle your claim until you speak with a lawyer. Your lawyer will advise you as to whether or not the settlement amount will be enough to cover all your expenses. Think about future medical expenses, especially if you suffered a long-term injury such as a traumatic brain injury or paralysis.
Contact a Car Accident Attorney Today
If you’re facing car accident injuries, you will need to deal with the car insurance company, which can be an arduous process. For serious injuries, which require more complex claims, you’ll need a knowledgeable car accident attorney on your side.
Car accidents are complex, but the team at Harris Law Firm, PLLC can help you navigate through the process of filing a claim. Our aggressive lawyers will stand up to the insurance companies and help you obtain compensation for your damages. We serve clients throughout Mississippi and Arkansas.
Contact the attorneys at Harris Law Firm, PLLC for a free case review.
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