Automobile accidents injure millions of people each year in the United States. Fortunately, many accidents only involve property damage to the vehicles. However, some car accidents cause severe physical injuries that require expensive and long-term medical care. In either case, you should take certain steps after a car accident to help your chances of recovering significant compensation for your damages.
Our Tennessee auto accident attorneys can help you take the necessary steps to protect your legal rights. In most cases, we advise car accident victims to take these steps whenever possible after a car accident.
- Always report the accident to the police.
Report even minor accidents to the police. Calling 911 from the accident scene is usually the easiest way to report the crash and to request help. The police prepare an accident report in response to calls about a car accident. An accident report may be required for the insurance company who we ask to pay you for your damages and injuries. Accident reports also document contact information for witnesses, what some witnesses said, and what the other driver(s) said. Police officers are very helpful minutes after an accident, but someone has to call them.
- Take pictures of the accident scene.
Take pictures of the accident scene if you can. If it is safe to do so, take pictures of the vehicles and the surrounding area. A video is also extremely helpful in an accident claim. You should provide any such pictures and video to your attorney.
- Get the names of eyewitnesses.
Eyewitness testimony is very persuasive if the other party denies fault for the accident. If anyone saw what happened, get the person’s name and contact information before they leave. Keep this information to provide to your attorney. The best time to get this information is close in time to the accident. Do not wait to document this information.
- Seek medical treatment for your injuries.
Promptly see a doctor after a car accident. First of all, some injuries may not be immediately known because symptoms may not be present for a few hours or days after the collision. Furthermore, a delay in medical treatment could be used negatively by the insurance company for the other driver. Consequently, it is best to see a doctor as soon as possible after the accident.
- Do not use social media or post information online.
The other side will see information you post online. They will only try to use your posts against you. For example, an innocent post about a birthday party you attended could be used to argue you must not have been as severely injured as you allege because you went to that event. Avoid posting anything online until you meet with our Tennessee car accident attorneys to discuss your claim.
- Keep a pain and suffering journal.
Sometimes it is difficult to prove pain and suffering damages. Keep notes about your daily pain and how your injuries impact your daily life. Likewise, a journal is a great help to keep track of important information from your doctors about your medical treatment and condition. This information helps you follow their medical advice and helps your attorney develop your damages proof.
- Keep detailed records of all expenses.
Car accidents can cause significant financial damages. Keep detailed records of all expenses related to the accident. Doing so increases the chance you receive full compensation for all damages. The expenses you should document include repairs to your vehicle, towing charges, storage charges, rental car fees, and the cost to replace items inside your vehicle that were destroyed.
Contact Our Tennessee Car Accident Attorneys for a Free Case Review
Our Tennessee car accident attorneys will help you file an accident claim. Also, they handle the negotiations with the insurance company so that you can focus on your recovery. People who have an attorney represent them receive up to three times more for their damages than if they did not get an attorney’s help. Contact the personal injury attorneys at Cummings Law today. We provide the support and legal guidance you need after being injured in a car wreck. Make the right decision, and get an experienced attorney to help you.
Posted in: Car Accidents, Personal Injury