Car accidents happen all the time. While it can be shocking, victims must know what to do to remain safe and protected. In most cases, accident victims are aware of the need to contact a Car Accident Lawyer, however, there are other key people to also speak to after an accident.
This article covers the three important people you need to talk to after suffering car accident injuries. Ticking all the boxes can help you build a strong case, especially if you wish to file a personal injury claim later.
The three important people to speak to after a car accident are;
- Law enforcement officers
- Medical professionals
- A car accident lawyer
Wondering why these three are the most important people in your injury case? Find out below.
Law Enforcement Officers
One of the first steps after a car accident is contacting the police or law enforcement. This is essential because you want to report the occurrence and have a report made about it.
Police officers will usually arrive at the accident scene to speak to the drivers and victims, ensuring everyone is okay. They will call for an ambulance or emergency medical response (if you haven’t already done that in cases of catastrophic injuries) and take down the accident’s details.
Speaking to a law enforcement officer has many benefits. Some benefits are;
- Making a detailed and fresh statement of the accident and how it happened.
- Law enforcement officers can record the injuries sustained, and the extent of the damage, and can also call for medical personnel.
- Calling law enforcement also brings professionals to the accident site, thus improving the details collected and giving your report a more vivid outlook.
Pro Tip: You should never leave the scene of an accident before the police or law enforcement arrives. Even if you’ve been hit and are not at fault, wait until the police arrive to detail your side of the story. Leaving could be termed a hit-and-run accident or could give the other party freedom to concoct stories about the event.
Medical Professionals
Medical professionals are an important part of your accident case and, subsequently, your injury claim. Insurance companies need evidence to prove that you’ve been impacted by the accident. You also need to check yourself to be sure you’re in good health.
It is important to seek medical help as soon as you’ve been involved in an accident, irrespective of how minor it may look. Some accidents cause impact and internal injuries. Others cause injuries with delayed symptoms. These problems can only be identified by a qualified medical professional, preferably your General Practitioner (GP).
Some common injuries you may suffer from car accidents include;
- Whiplash
- Neck injuries
- Head injuries or traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Shoulder injuries
- Knee injuries
- Sprains and strains
- Broken bones
- Back injuries
Seeking medical help after your involvement in a car crash will establish the injuries you’ve suffered, and the extent of the injuries, and document your treatment. The medical reports generated can also be used as added evidence to prove injury and when filing your claim against the at-fault party’s insurance company.
An Attorney
This was probably your first guess after your accident. Yes, speaking to an injury lawyer is recommended, especially if you’ve suffered injuries and/or property damage. Contacting an accident lawyer can help clarify common issues surrounding your case. Your car accident lawyer can also advise you on the common errors to avoid as you file your insurance claims.
Attorneys carry a lot of weight when it comes to injury cases. They take the stress off the injury victim and handle the case preparation and filing, evidence gathering, and legal representation.
Your attorney will most likely need the earlier reports generated by law enforcement officers to prove that the accident indeed happened. This report can also be used to prove the conditions under which the accident happened. Your medical report can be used to confirm damages to your health through injuries.
Your attorney will also calculate your losses, which may include medical bills, property damages, lost income, loss of future earning potential (in the event of catastrophic or long-term injuries and disability), pain and suffering, etc.
With an attorney by your side, you can get a near-accurate account of your losses and demand the same from the insurance company. Your attorney will also help with negotiating the best outcome in your interest.
Please note that it is important to keep your case private and speak only to these three professionals mentioned above. Remember that insurance companies are not your friends and will go the extra mile to discredit your claims.
