Car accidents can be devastating, and they can cause significant injuries to the people involved. If you have been involved in a car accident with significant injuries, it is important to know what legal steps to take.
The first thing you should do is to ensure your own safety and the safety of others involved in the accident.
Assessing the Situation and Immediate Actions
After a car accident with significant injuries, it is important to assess the situation and take immediate actions.
Call 911 Immediately
The first step after an accident with significant injuries is to call 911 immediately. This is important to ensure that medical attention is provided to those who need it.
The adrenaline rush after the accident can mask injuries, so it is important to check for injuries and seek medical attention as soon as possible.
If police aren’t sent to the scene, you should also call the police so that they can investigate the accident and create an accident report. This report can be crucial later on if you decide to file a lawsuit or insurance claim.
Gather Information From Others Involved
It is important to gather information from others involved in the accident, including the other driver(s), passengers, and witnesses.
This information should include:
- Names
- Contact information
- Insurance information
Additionally, it is important to document the scene of the accident, including any damage to the vehicles and the location of the accident.
It’s also within your right to take photos and videos of the accident, and talk to eyewitnesses who can corroborate your version of the events.
With this in mind, you’ll need their contact information, too, in case you need them to make a statement. Dashcam footage and any CCTV recordings will also be vital in building a personal injury case.
Follow Medical Advice
It’s imperative that you stick to the advised medical treatment you’ve been given, both for your recovery and any potential personal injury claim you seek.
Not following this advice could mean you don’t recover from your serious injury as well as you should and also not receive the financial compensation you deserve.
Inform Your Insurance Company
After the accident, inform your insurance company. However, avoid providing statements to insurance companies until you have sought the services of a skilled and knowledgeable car accident lawyer.
Insurance companies will always low-ball their original offer to you. You should keep in mind that they are a business, afterall, and so are only interested in making as much money as possible.
In addition, be very careful in your communication with insurance companies since they can use anything you see to dumb-down your injuries.
Seek the Services of a Skilled and Knowledgeable Car Accident Attorney
It is important to seek the services of a skilled and knowledgeable car accident lawyer Federal Way to protect your legal rights after an accident.
A car accident attorney can help you navigate the legal process and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Not only that but they’ll take away the burden of gathering the evidence you need and taking your personal injury claim after so you can focus on your injuries.
Final Thoughts
In summary, after a car accident with significant injuries, it is important to:
- Assess the situation
- Seek medical attention
- Gather information and evidence
- Document the scene of the accident
- Inform your insurance company
- Seek the services of a skilled and knowledgeable car accident attorney
The above steps are all key legal steps to making a full recovery from your injuries, ensure your legal rights are protected and to maximize compensation.
