A car accident can be a scary and confusing experience. Victims often wonder what steps they need to take to ensure their well-being while also maximizing their chances of receiving full compensation for the incident. Here, we want to review some basic steps you can take after a car accident that will help your case:
1. Stop the Car and Get to Safety
Do not leave the scene of a crash, even a minor one. Pull to a safe location and turn off your car. Check yourself and your passengers for injuries and call 911 to report the accident.
2. Seek Medical Attention
The most important thing you can do after a car accident is to seek medical attention. Even if you only have minor injuries, you need to let a doctor evaluate you. This will ensure your well-being while also establishing that your injuries occurred in the car accident.
3. Gather Evidence
Use your smartphone or another camera to take pictures of everything at the scene. This includes any vehicles involved, damages to the vehicles, debris thrown around the crash scene, any injuries, traffic patterns, weather conditions, and more.
4. Gather Eyewitness Information
If there were any bystanders, or if other drivers stopped to help, get their names and contact information. Their statements could be valuable for your insurance settlement or during a personal injury lawsuit.
5. Speak to an Attorney
You should speak to a skilled car accident attorney in Martinsburg soon after an accident occurs. An attorney will usually offer a free consultation and to be able to advise you on the best path forward.
6. Report the Incident to the Insurance Carrier
Notify your insurance carrier as soon as possible. You do not have to go into detail about the incident right away. Just let the insurer know the basics of the crash and that you will be seeking medical care.
7. Do Not Rush a Settlement
It can be tempting to want to obtain a quick settlement after a crash, but you should not do so until you know the full extent of your injuries. Wait until you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI) before agreeing to any settlement amount.
How Will an Attorney Help your Case?
Most car accident victims do not have the resources or legal experience necessary to properly pursue compensation for their case. At Manchin Ferretti Injury Law, we will handle every aspect of your case, which will include:
- Gathering all evidence from the accident scene, including photos and video surveillance, eyewitness statements, and the police report.
- Ensuring that your medical records are evaluated by a trusted healthcare professional who will properly assess the full extent of your injuries.
- Negotiating with all parties involved, including aggressive insurance carriers, to secure all compensation you are entitled to.
Contact Us Today
If you or somebody you care about has been injured in a Martinsburg car accident, you can count on the team at Manchin Ferretti Injury Law to be by your side. We will investigate all aspects of your case and work to secure any compensation you may be entitled to. This could include coverage for your medical bills, lost income, household expenses, as well as pain and suffering damages. When you need a skilled personal injury lawyer by your side, you can contact us for a free consultation of your case by clicking here or calling (304) 944-0577.