The road can be a dangerous place, especially when you’re driving your vehicle in peace and find yourself suddenly crashed into. Whether it’s the weather conditions or careless drivers, car crashes can result in severe property and physical damage to all parties.
In the confusion of the accident, you might miss out on the critical actions you need to take to preserve your rights. You might even be fooled into signing papers that take away your legal rights. The laws of road accidents and personal injury vary from one state to another.
So, for instance, if you’re an inhabitant of Phoenix, Arizona, be sure to contact a Phoenix car accident attorney to take the necessary steps that will preserve your rights. These lawyers will explain to you the actions you need to take in the designated time frame for your case to stand strong. Lawyers will also warn you against any attempts of insurance companies that may try to take away your rights or force you into an unfair settlement.
Legal Actions to Take After Car Crash Injuries
Contacting an expert lawyer is the best thing you can do to preserve your rights, but there are some actions you need to take right away in the accident scene. It’s always good to be prepared for what might happen, so keep reading to find out about some steps you need to take right away in the case of a car crash.
1. Report the Accident
In most states, the law dictates that you have to report any car crash right away if any injury, death, or property damages exceeding the value of 500 dollars have occurred. The first thing you should do is to contact the nearest law enforcement station to arrive at the scene of the crash. In the case of not being able to do that right away, you have a time frame of 10 days to submit a letter to the motor vehicle department.
In your letter, you’ll have to mention as many details as possible. The details will include the scene of the accident, the details of the parties involved in it, any witnesses, and even the weather and road conditions at the time of the accident.
2. Contact Your Lawyer
To avoid missing any critical steps or getting fooled in any way, you need to contact your lawyer right away.
On the site of the accident, the other party—or parties—might contact their insurance companies. When that happens, you might find some of them approaching you asking for a statement, trying to get you to admit to any kind of fault. Others might try to settle the case with some sort of compensation which, quite frequently, is below the actual worth of damages you’ve suffered. Even your own insurance company might try to take your statement. Whatever happens, never admit to any kind of fault and don’t sign any papers without the presence of your lawyer.
You might even be fooled into signing papers that take away your legal rights. The laws of road accidents and personal injury vary from one state to another, which is why consulting a drunk driving lawyer can be crucial if alcohol was a factor in the incident.
Accidents are always very difficult to handle, especially if the loss has been profound. Having your lawyer by your side will make sure you keep your wits about you and never miss out on any critical steps.
3. Document the Scene of the Crash
We can’t stress enough how important it is to collect evidence about the scene of the crash—exactly as it is. Be sure to record the scene right away and to get pictures of the crash and all of the losses. If you or any of your companions have been injured physically, make sure you take pictures of those injuries as well. You’ll need to exchange information with the other parties, and that’s important for all of you. This information should include their names, contact information, driver’s license number, and living address. You won’t need to have a picture of their driver’s license or give away yours.
If there have been any witnesses at the scene, make sure you get their contact information as well; it will prove useful for your case to get their statements. Beware of anyone trying to change the scene of the crash, taking more information than they need from you, or trying to get you to admit to any negligence or sign any papers.
4. Go for a Medical Checkup
Sometimes the physical injuries are quite obvious, other times not very much so. Emotional trauma can also result from life-and-death situations, and it will take you some time to discover the full effects of the crash on you and your companions. You have the right to choose your own doctor, so don’t feel pressured by the insurance adjuster’s choice.
After getting involved in a car crash, you need to seek immediate medical attention. Some injuries might be internal, and these are the most serious. Seeking immediate medical care will also strengthen your personal injury case, as it will strongly link your injuries in the crash, as opposed to going for a checkup days later.
5. Collect and Keep All Evidence
The evidence starts with all of the pictures and information you’ve documented at the scene of the crash, but it continues throughout your medical checkups and follow-ups. There’s a huge probability that your personal injury claim will go through, in which case you’ll be compensated for all of your losses. To make sure you’re fully compensated, you’ll need to provide proof of your medical bills, prescription receipts, emotional trauma reports, property damage, and any other costs and losses you’ve endured.
The trauma of getting into a car crash can be overwhelming at the moment, but that’s when you need your wits the most to preserve all of your legal rights. Upon getting into a car crash, you’ll need to report it right away with as much information as you can.
A lot of things can go wrong following the accident, and many will try to take away your legal rights through unfair compensation or incriminating questions.
To stay safe, make sure you contact your lawyer right away. Don’t forget to get a medical checkup as soon as you can, and keep all evidence of your costs and losses properly documented.