When you get injured in a car accident your life gets flipped upside down.
You go from riding to work, to dealing with doctors and lawyers, and reoccurring pain. It’s a lot to take in.
The fact of the matter is…
Most people don’t know what to do after a car accident injury. They end up making mistakes that cost them thousands in their case. By the time they realise it, it’s too late.
The guide below walks through everything, step by step. From what to do at the scene, to how to actually get the compensation you deserve.
Ready to take control? Let’s do this.
What You’re Going To Discover:
- What Counts As A Personal Injury After A Car Accident?
- The Steps You Need To Take Right After The Crash
- How To Build A Strong Personal Injury Claim
- Why Legal Representation Makes A Massive Difference
- Common Mistakes That Destroy Your Case
What Counts As A Personal Injury After A Car Accident?
Personal injury after a car accident refers to any type of injury sustained as a result of the accident. This includes not only physical injuries but also emotional distress.
Typical injuries sustained in car accidents include whiplash, broken bones, head injuries, and back and neck injuries. In some cases, the accident can even cause emotional trauma that leads to psychological conditions like anxiety or depression.
This is what matters most:
If another person was at fault for the accident and you were injured, then you have grounds for a personal injury lawsuit against that individual or their insurance company. It doesn’t matter if your injuries seem minor at first either. Many serious injuries do not show symptoms for days, or even weeks.
A qualified Hartford personal injury lawyer can help you determine whether your personal injury after a car accident qualifies you for compensation and what that might look like.
The Steps You Need To Take Right After The Crash
The first few hours and days after a car accident are crucial for a number of reasons.
You need to seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if you don’t think you’re hurt. It’s also important to document everything that happened while it’s still fresh in your mind. This includes taking photos of the scene of the accident and getting contact information from any witnesses who may have been there.
Finally, you need to contact a lawyer who can help you navigate the legal system and get the compensation you deserve.
Here’s a breakdown of what you should do:
- Call 911 and wait for the police to arrive
- Get medical attention even if you think you’re okay
- Exchange insurance and contact information with the other driver
- Take photos of vehicle damage, injuries, and road conditions
- Get contact information from any witnesses
The following days are just as important:
- Visit a doctor for a complete medical evaluation
- Keep all medical records and receipts
- Take pictures of your injuries as they heal
- Don’t talk to the other driver’s insurance company
- Contact a personal injury lawyer
The final point is key. Insurance companies are in the business of paying out as little money as possible. They will often try to get you to accept a low settlement offer.
Don’t fall for it.
How To Build A Strong Personal Injury Claim
The most important part of filing a personal injury lawsuit is building a strong case.
The better the evidence you can provide to support your claim, the more likely you are to get the compensation you deserve.
Start by gathering all of the evidence you can find from the accident. This includes photos, medical records, and police reports.
Next, you’ll need to prove that the other driver was at fault for the accident. This can be done by showing that they were speeding, driving recklessly, or otherwise breaking the law.
Finally, you’ll need to demonstrate how the accident has impacted your life. This includes things like medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering damages. According to JG Winter Law, motor vehicle accidents account for 52% of all personal injury cases in the US.
If you have a strong personal injury claim, you will be able to get the compensation you need to put your life back together.
Building a solid case includes a few key steps:
- Collect all medical bills and receipts
- Document all lost wages and income
- Keep a pain diary detailing your suffering
- Take photos of property damage to your vehicle
- Contact a personal injury attorney
Not only can an attorney help you build your case, they also know what it’s truly worth. Most accident victims undervalue their claim significantly.
Why Legal Representation Makes A Massive Difference
Something most people don’t know…
Insurance companies treat your claim very differently depending on if you have a lawyer or not. They know that people without representation are much easier to lowball.
The stats prove it. According to Nolo, 91% of people who hired an attorney received a settlement. Compare that to the only 51% of people without a lawyer that received anything.
And those who had legal representation saw settlements nearly 3x higher on average.
Hang on a second.
Even after paying your lawyer their cut, you still come away with significantly more money. Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency basis. You pay nothing upfront. They only get paid if you win.
A good attorney can do the paperwork, negotiations, and legal leg work. All you need to do is focus on your recovery.
Common Mistakes That Destroy Your Case
Car accident victims destroy their own claims without even knowing it. These mistakes are both incredibly common, and 100% avoidable.
Don’t make these mistakes:
Mistake #1: Waiting too long to see a doctor
Insurance companies love gaps in medical treatment after a car accident. If you don’t see a doctor right after the crash, they’ll argue your injuries weren’t serious, or that they were sustained some other way.
Mistake #2: Posting on social media
That vacation picture from last month? The check-in at the gym? Insurance adjusters will use anything and everything to argue you’re really not hurt. Stay off social media until your case is over.
Mistake #3: Giving a recorded statement
The insurance company will call and ask for a recorded statement. They’ll say it’s routine. It’s not. Anything you say to them can be twisted and used against you later.
Mistake #4: Accepting the first settlement offer
Initial offers are almost always lowball offers designed to see whether you understand the true value of your claim. Never accept a settlement without first consulting an attorney.
Mistake #5: Missing the statute of limitations
Every state has deadlines for filing personal injury claims. If you go past it your case is dismissed forever.
The Settlement Process Explained
Personal injury cases very rarely end up at trial. Most personal injury cases settle out of court. About 95% to be exact.
The process works like this.
Your attorney drafts a demand letter which outlines the details of your injuries and damages. The insurance company counteroffers, usually with a lowball offer. Negotiations begin and both sides continue to haggle until a settlement amount is agreed upon.
On average it takes 20 months to settle a motor vehicle accident case. With a reputable legal team behind you the process will typically move much faster.
Wrapping Things Up
Personal injury after a car accident is not a situation you should be in alone.
The stakes are just too high. The insurance company has teams of lawyers on their side. You need someone in your corner.
Remember:
- Get medical attention immediately
- Document everything from day one
- Never speak to insurance adjusters without legal advice
- Contact an experienced personal injury attorney
- Don’t accept lowball settlement offers
Taking these steps will protect both your health and your financial future. Car accident injuries can affect your life for years down the road. Get the compensation you deserve.