It is essential that you promptly file a car accident claim and seek compensation for medical treatment or any property damage. If you have been involved or injured in an accident, call your personal injury lawyer right away.
With the hope that insurance companies will reimburse expenses and take care of economic damages related to your car accident case, most people ensure that they are up to date with monthly car insurance payments. However, in some car accident cases, it has been shown that the mechanism does not work well for the victims of car accidents.
Car accident victims need the support and advice of a credible and experienced car accident attorney who will fight for them and protect their legal rights. Personal injury attorneys will help the victims obtain compensation. They will also be able to explain the steps on how to file a car accident lawsuit, as in below:
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Report your automobile accident
A motorist that has been involved in a car crash must stop immediately and remain at the scene of the accident. It is also a must that you have a police report created as well. It is important to seek help from authorities and provide the police officer with a summary of incidents that took place before and after the vehicle accident. Seek medical attention immediately for those who have been injured in a car accident.
Securing a copy of the incident report is necessary when determining which motorist is at fault in the automobile accident. The assigned officer will assess the car crash, which could be very crucial for your personal injury claim.
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Gather as much data and information from the site of the accident
Proof builds the foundation of a solid argument for any automobile accident case. Many of these pieces of evidence must be gathered immediately after the car accident. The information that must be obtained at the accident scene include:
– Data about the other drivers involved in the accident (license number, car insurance information, license plate number, contact details)
– Contact details of witnesses or anybody who might have seen what happened and may corroborate your incident report.
– Images or videos of the car accident, which could include the injuries sustained by you or a loved one, property damage, vehicle location, traffic and road condition, any obstacles on the roadway, and skid marks, if any.
– Notes you have written down or descriptions of what you see at the scene of the accident. Most details are more likely to be forgotten and your memory could become vague as time passes.
If, for example, you are unable to obtain these crucial details and information at the scene of the accident (because of your injuries and you have to go to the hospital for medical treatment), ask a family member or a friend that could help.
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Be very careful with the information you give to your insurance provider
Anything you say can become a crucial piece of information if you would want your insurance company to compensate you for expenses. Once you are in a secure place, take note of all the details that are often asked by an insurance company. These include the time, place, conditions leading to the accident, and any information that is convenient to have. Never admit blame or make any assumptions as to what happened when you speak to your insurance company. Focus on the facts and what you are aware of.
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Keep all receipts and copies of the invoice
Victims of auto accidents may have to deal with a variety of medical bills, which may include emergency transit, hospitalization, surgery, medical device, and medication costs. You must be thorough in keeping reports and invoices from all physicians because these will serve as proof of the injury and the medical treatment you received.
Besides, the number of days you missed and lost wages (as a result of the car accident and bodily injuries) should also be recorded. These documents also include whether your pain and suffering forced you to employ a helper. You can be compensated for all these and other costs you suffered as a result of your auto accident and injuries.
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Seek legal help from an auto accident lawyer
You must have an accident attorney who is a professional negotiator. Get someone who will defend you in a jury trial especially if you have been harmed and had to take time off work to heal from your injuries. It is highly advised that you seek help from an accident lawyer with extensive experience.
The party at fault can be held financially responsible for damages related to the accident, including medical bills, lost earnings, hospitalization, pain, and suffering, among others. For all your losses, a professional West Virginia personal injury attorney would be able to assess your claim and help you obtain reasonable and complete compensation. Call (304) 230-6500 and talk to our personal injury lawyers at Ghaphery Law Offices, PLLC for a free consultation.
