If you have never been involved in a motor vehicle accident before, consider yourself lucky. However, given the estimate that about 16,000,000 auto accidents occur every year in the United States, it is likely one might happen to you eventually. What should you expect to happen in the aftermath and how can you cope with the events that follow?
Below is an overview of what you can expect after a motor vehicle accident:
- Preserving evidence: Immediately after the accident, once you have made sure everyone is okay or called for emergency medical assistance, if necessary, it is critical to begin preserving evidence. This means taking as many pictures as possible at the scene, such as photos of the damage done to the vehicles involved, visible injuries, or any skid marks on the road. You should also dial 911 to ensure a police report is filed.
- Injuries: Even if your injuries do not warrant a trip to the hospital in an ambulance, this does not mean you should not seek medical assistance as soon as possible. You might not be experiencing any negative symptoms, but many car accident injuries do not present themselves right away, especially head injuries or soft tissue injuries. Protect your health and your personal injury claim by making it a priority to visit your doctor once it is appropriate to leave the scene of the accident.
- The insurance company: When speaking to the insurance adjuster of the at-fault party’s insurance company, it is crucial that you do not divulge a vast amount of details. In fact, at this point, it is only necessary to give basic information, such as your full name, address, and where and when the accident occurred. You should not and are under no obligation to provide a recorded statement. Politely decline any requests for more detailed information.
- Negotiating with the insurance company: Once your personal injury attorney provides an estimate for what your claim is worth, you can begin negotiating with the insurance company for compensation that can cover all damages associated with the accident. To support your settlement offer, you will have to provide copies of relevant medical records, bills, and a statement from your employer regarding any wage losses and missed time from work. Your personal injury attorney will be able to negotiate on your behalf, but if the insurance company is obstinate and refuses all reasonable proposals, your case will go to court where a judge or jury will award you compensation if your case resolves in your favor.
Personal Injury Attorneys in Oneonta
At Scarzafava, Basdekis & Dadey, PLLC, our Oneonta personal injury team is dedicated to speaking on behalf of the injured and ensuring they receive the monetary compensation to which they are entitled. If you were injured in an accident that was caused by the negligent and reckless actions of another party, seek our legal assistance today. We will provide the effective representation you need to get back on your feet.
Get started on your case today and call us at (607) 228-8404 to request a free consultation with one of our attorneys.