Most victims of auto accidents don’t think about hiring a car accident injury lawyer unless their injuries are severe or they are involved in a major crash. Regardless of the form a crash takes, anytime you get involved in a car accident you should contact legal counsel.
In fact, this is probably the smartest move you can make, especially if you live in California – a state where you can sue a third party even if you are found partially to blame. Also, negotiating a settlement with an insurance company yourself is not a good idea. An insurance company is in the business to make money, not to pay out insurance claims.
By having a legal advocate on your side – someone who specializes in personal injury, you can receive the money you need to pay your medical bills and other damages. Therefore, anytime you are involved in a car wreck, calling a car accident injury attorney should be your first priority.
What Actions to Take Following an Auto Accident
You also need to be aware of the steps you should take following a car accident.
See a Doctor the Same Day of the Accident
Even if you don’t believe you are badly hurt, you need to visit a doctor following a car crash. This will allow you to follow up with your doctor if you happen to experience soreness or stiffness, or a delayed-onset injury after the accident.
For example, the National Institute on Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) states that whiplash often emerges several days after a car accident.
The condition can manifest later as a delayed reaction. Also, spinal cord injuries may appear after an accident victim thinks they are in the clear. So, don’t take anything for granted. Make sure you see a medical professional immediately after an auto wreck.
Whiplash victims often receive soft-tissue injuries from getting struck from the rear in a crash. Therefore, they often are not found to be at fault and are entitled to a larger settlement.
When whiplash happens, it is due to a sudden extension and flexion of the neck muscles. The injury can end up being quite problematic as it can also affect the discs, intervertebral joints, ligaments, nerves, and cervical muscles. The neck pain the victim experiences may appear right after an accident or show up several days later.
More specifically, symptoms can take the form of neck stiffness, myofascial pain, headache, dizziness, burning (paresthesias), and back or shoulder pain. Some patients even experience memory loss, problems with focusing, irritability, fatigue, insomnia, or depression.
That is why it is always good to call a car accident injury lawyer. In fact, talking to a lawyer is one of the best ways to save on the costs of paying for legal help and advice. That is because the attorney is paid on a contingency basis. You don’t have to pay their fee unless they win a settlement for your car accident claim.
Ask for Contact Details from Eyewitnesses
While you don’t have to question eyewitnesses about their account of the accident, you can get contact information that you can share with your attorney. Your lawyer can handle the follow-up details for the evidence.
Take Pictures of the Accident Scene with Your Smartphone
Besides taking pictures from all angles at the crash, you should also have a friend or family member take pictures of visible wounds or injuries.
File a Police Report
Never leave an accident scene without calling the police and filing a police report.
Exchange Contact Details with the Other Party
You also want to exchange contact details with the other party in the accident as well as insurance information. Just exchange the info. Don’t make any comments that could be used against you later.
By taking the right steps at an accident scene, you will have the evidence you need when contacting a car accident injury attorney.
The Advantages of Contacting a Car Accident Injury Lawyer
Contacting a personal injury lawyer about your car accident can help you realize a number of advantages. Your lawyer can serve as our advocate by doing the following:
Communicating with the other party’s insurance company
Determining the parties at fault and the degree of fault
Organizing your medical bills and records
Contacting your medical providers for records
Working with your doctor so they can prove the damages for your claim
Managing the evidence to prove liability
Negotiating with lien holders, such as worker’s compensation insurers or disability and health insurance providers, to reduce their liens
Finalizing a settlement that is fair and satisfactory with a defense lawyer or an insurance company adjuster
Receive the Legal Help You Need Now
As you can see from the above list, anytime is a good time to contact a car accident injury lawyer. Learn more about how a lawyer can help you with a car accident claim or lawsuit. Contact Belal Hamideh Law at (562) 526-1224 today.