An major car crash can cause serious injuries that can also lead to long-term effects like impairment of life. If you are seriously hurt in an accident and you believe that it was caused by someone’s negligence, you are entitled to get compensation. Compensation aims to cover your medical costs, loss of earnings, pain, and suffering. However, insurance companies often try to defend injury claims to protect their interests. Therefore, there are certain steps that you should take to protect your legal rights. Here is a seven-step guide that can help you to know the right actions to take after a major crash.
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Check If Everyone is Safe
If you are involved in a serious crash, your vehicle might be badly damaged and passengers injured. The first thing is that you must stop your vehicle and check your injuries. Try to ensure safety for all the individuals involved. Get out of the car and also evacuate the passengers to safety. You can apply first aid if you are not seriously hurt. You must switch on the hazard lights and stay at the crash site until the law enforcement agents arrive.
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Report the Accident to the Police
You must call the police so they can attend the major car crash scene and conduct their investigations. The law enforcement will write a police report, and this is a crucial document in any accident claim. While at the accident scene, you should not admit fault. If possible, you must call your insurance company as well so that they can dispatch an adjuster to evaluate the damages caused by the crash.
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Get Medical Treatment
You must call the ambulance while at the major car crash scene if you or someone is injured. Some injuries might not be immediately apparent, but you still need to visit a doctor. The doctor will examine you and write a medical report that is used in your compensation claim. You need to follow the doctor’s instructions to recover quickly. This will also help you to get the compensation you deserve. Insurance companies are concerned about the severity of your injuries to determine the settlement to award you.
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Call an Attorney
Dealing with an major car crash claim can be frustrating since the process involves many things. Therefore, it is important to enlist the services of a personal injury lawyer to handle your case to ensure a better outcome. If you are claiming for serious injury, you need to deal with a professional accident attorney since they have experience in handling similar cases. Proficient attorneys also know how to negotiate with insurance companies to increase your chances of getting a maximum settlement.
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Document Everything
You must document all the necessary information that you may need to support your claim. You must get the details of the other driver that include their name, contact details, license number, and the insurance company. You also need to take photos that you can use as supporting evidence when you file a compensation claim. The other party can dispute your claim if you do not have strong evidence.
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File a Compensation Claim
When you have gathered all the necessary documents, you can file a compensation claim with the help of your lawyer. You can do this by sending a letter of demand stating the reasons for the claim and the amount you want for settlement. In most cases, major car crash claims are settled out of court to avoid the costly route of a lawsuit. However, you should not be quick to accept the offer before agreeing with your lawyer.
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Appeal a Denial
Insurance companies are primarily concerned about their business interests. Therefore, your compensation claim can be denied as a result of many factors, or the insurance company can offer unsatisfactory damages. If you feel that you have been shortchanged by the at-fault party and their insurer, you have a legal right to appeal the settlement. You can achieve this by filing a lawsuit where you will pursue your case in a court of law. You should know the statute of limitations in your state. If you fail to meet the deadline in filing your lawsuit, you risk losing your legal right to get compensation for your injuries.
A car accident can cause long-lasting effects, and it can dramatically change the course of your life. Therefore, it is imperative to take appropriate measures immediately after the crash so that you can protect your rights. You should check the safety of the passengers and seek medication. Make sure you report the major car crash and call your attorney to handle your case should you decide to file a compensation claim.