Car accidents can leave behind huge medical bills, property damage and loss of income. It’s vital to contact a car crash lawyer to make sure you receive full compensation for your losses.
Maryland Car Crash Lawyer help clients establish the proximate cause of their injuries by linking their medical records to the accident. They also interpret insurance policies and determine the adequacy of coverage to cover potential damages.
1. File a Police Report
In many car accident cases, a police report is one of the most important documents to file. This is because the report provides documentation of the crash that is used by insurers and the courts. It also helps car accident attorneys determine if you have a strong claim.
If you are able, it is best to call the police while at the scene of the accident. This will ensure that you, the other driver and any witnesses are there when the officer arrives to take the report. If your phone is not working, try to borrow a friend’s or look for a payphone at the scene of the crash.
It is also important to provide accurate information to the officer taking the report. While you may want to tell the officer your side of the story, it is important that you stick to the facts and do not accidentally admit fault or liability. Before the officer leaves, ask for the name and badge number of each officer you speak with so that you can follow up with them if you remember additional information later on.
Having a copy of the police report can help establish liability and is especially useful when the other party makes changes to their story after the accident. It can also help prevent insurance fraud.
A police report is also helpful for documenting the damage caused by the crash. Be sure to take pictures of all damage and include them in your report. It is also a good idea to keep track of any medical bills and other expenses you incur as a result of the accident. These can be used to prove the economic losses and injuries you suffered as a result of the crash and help you get the compensation you deserve.
2. Take Pictures
Taking pictures after a car crash is an extremely important step that can help your accident case. Insurance companies will do everything they can to discredit your claims, so the more facts you have supporting your claim, the better.
When possible, take multiple photos of the accident scene. Make sure to capture the vehicles, traffic signals, roadway conditions and anything else that may be relevant to your case. If you are unable to take pictures at the scene of the accident due to being injured or because it is not safe to move around, ask a passenger or a trusted witness to do so on your behalf.
You should also photograph any property damage to both cars. This includes the exterior and interior of the vehicle, any personal belongings inside that have been damaged and the surrounding areas. Take these photos from different angles and distances to get a more thorough understanding of the extent of the damages.
If there are any witnesses to the car accident, be sure to get their names and contact information so your lawyer can reach out to them later. You should also take photos of any evidence at the scene, such as skid marks or other indications of how the accident occurred.
Finally, you should also take a few wide-angle shots of the accident scene so that your attorney can see the whole area in one shot. This will give them a clear picture of the location and conditions at the time of the crash, which can help determine who was responsible for the accident. If possible, you should also return to the scene of the accident later when it is safe to do so in order to take pictures that represent the area and the weather conditions at the time of the crash.
3. Get Medical Attention
A car accident is one of the most stressful events a person can go through, both physically and emotionally. Injuries can range from minor bruising to severe, life-threatening conditions. Getting medical attention right after the crash is crucial for both your health and your legal case. Any documentation of injuries and treatment can help back up a claim for damages in the event you decide to sue for negligence.
The most important reason to see a doctor after a crash is for your health. Even if you don’t feel any pain or have visible injuries, it’s still a good idea to visit your doctor so that they can do a thorough examination of you and run any necessary tests. This will ensure that you have not suffered any underlying injuries that may worsen with time or cause long-term problems if left untreated.
If possible, take pictures of your injuries at the scene. If you are unable to take them yourself, ask someone to do it for you. It’s also helpful to get photos of your vehicle’s damage, the position of your car in relation to other vehicles or buildings, and any skid marks on the road.
If you are unable to see your primary care physician, it is a good idea to visit an urgent care clinic. These are typically open longer hours than regular clinics and you can usually walk in without an appointment. Injuries from a car crash can often result in outrageous medical bills, which can attract relentless debt collectors. A good car accident lawyer can protect you from this harassment and help you negotiate with debt collectors for fair terms.
4. Contact Your Insurance Company
The insurance company of the driver who caused your accident will begin to investigate, which means they will probably call you and ask for a recorded statement. Ideally, your attorney or a representative from your car insurance should handle these conversations. They will be able to explain what you should and shouldn’t say, as well as how the accident might impact your coverage.
Insurance representatives are trained to find things that you say, even if they were just slips of the tongue, that will hurt your case or deny you compensation. They will look for any way they can to pin some or all of your damages on you, so it’s important that you only provide the bare minimum information needed to answer their questions. You should also avoid elaborating or getting into stories.
It’s important to visit your doctor after a crash, even if you don’t feel any significant pain right away. Some injuries are insidious and don’t manifest themselves until later on. In fact, visiting your doctor can help strengthen your claim for personal injury damages. In addition, your medical records can be used as evidence to support your insurance compensation claim.
You should also keep all receipts for anything that has been purchased to treat your injuries. This can include items like medications, medical bills, physical therapy sessions and X-rays. If you have full-coverage car insurance, this should help cover any damage caused by the other driver. If they are uninsured or flee the scene, this will make it easier for your attorney to file a lawsuit against them for negligence. This will allow you to get the maximum amount of compensation for your injuries and losses.
5. Contact a Lawyer
If you’re seriously hurt in a car crash, it’s often best to get legal advice. An experienced auto accident attorney can help you build a strong case, file the appropriate paperwork with the insurance company, and avoid mistakes that could damage your claim. They can also help you determine the true value of your damages, which may be much higher than the insurance company is willing to offer.
When choosing a car accident lawyer, consider how many cases they’ve handled and what their success rate is. You can also ask for references from previous clients and contact information for those who have referred them to the firm. Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, most attorneys will provide a free consultation to discuss your case and answer any questions you may have.
Car accident lawyers can also help you deal with the insurance companies by acting as your advocate. Insurance companies are looking for anything they can use to shift blame or minimize your injury claims, and a lawyer can prevent you from saying something that could harm your case.
Another way that car accident lawyers can help you is by helping you gather evidence from the scene of the accident. This includes taking pictures from different angles of the crash site, skid marks, and any other damage that occurred. They can also work with experts to reconstruct the accident to help determine who was at fault. They can also help you calculate your past and current damages, including medical bills, rehabilitative care, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering. They can also help you project future damages, such as loss of earnings and lifetime medical expenses.