What You Need To Do When You’re Hurt In An Accident
Getting hurt in a car accident is one of the worst experiences a person can go through. It’s scary and stressful, and you may even be facing an uncertain future, not knowing whether you’ll be able to hold down a job or pay your bills. You know you deserve compensation for your injuries to heal and get back on your feet, but people are pressuring you to sign away your rights. Learn the first steps that you should take when you’re hurt in an accident in Nashville, Tennessee, from getting medical attention to consulting an attorney.
Getting Hurt in an Accident
Ensuring that you get properly compensated for being hurt in an accident requires that you take just the right steps to ensure you’re covered. These include getting medical attention and keeping meticulous records of everything that happened. It also includes getting representation by a qualified personal injury attorney. You do these things not to be aggressive, but quite the opposite, in fact. You do them to protect yourself against the aggression of those responsible for your injury.
Stay on Site and Document
The very first thing you need to do after an accident is stay where you are. Don’t panic, and don’t run away. This can not only cost you compensation but is a crime. Take your time, exchange contact information with the other driver, talk to all witnesses and get their contact information—also call for emergency medical attention if it’s needed. If you can, take photos of the accident scene. Try to get a police officer on the scene to take a report. Never apologize for anything at the scene. All of this can be important later.
Get Medical Attention
Even if you don’t think your injury is serious, get medical attention. You’d be amazed at how often injuries don’t manifest until days or weeks after the accident. It’s vital that you get looked at by a doctor and keep detailed records of all treatment you receive.
Call the Insurance Company
Call your insurance company and report the accident within 24 hours. Be completely honest and forthright. Don’t sugar coat it, and don’t stretch or embellish in any way. This includes not admitting guilt—be neutral and factual.
Don’t Sign Anything
You’ll likely be pressured by insurance companies to sign off on lowball offers. Don’t do it. Putting your name to paper can end your rights to seek further compensation. Before you talk to an attorney, never sign anything.
Call an Attorney
As soon as you possibly can, get a consult with a qualified personal injury attorney. Most attorneys will charge no fee and have no obligation for this consult. They also usually won’t charge a fee unless they win your case. You won’t be sorry—an attorney knows exactly how to challenge the strong-arm tactics used by insurance companies to lowball you on compensation.
If you’ve been in an accident in Nashville, Tennessee and need representation, we’re here to help. Check out our auto accident information, and get in touch with us to review your case for free today.
