Know what to do after a car accident – it could significantly impact the outcome of your case. It may not only help determine who was at fault, but could help to make sure you are able to recover a fair amount of compensation to cover your damages.
Medical evidence in a claim will be very important if you hope to be compensated for the injuries you suffered.
Receiving medical attention after the accident will be important in establishing your injuries, go over:
- your injuries;
- medical costs; and
- any evidence of injuries with a personal injury lawyer in Long Island at Gacovino, Lake & Associates.
What to Do After a Car Accident: Seeking Medical Attention
Most victims in a crash know to call the police and the insurance company. But a step that is oftentimes overlooked is seeking medical attention if emergency care wasn’t required.
Dismissing aches or pains or assuming you will get better is a dangerous thing to do. The problem with this is that you could end up settling your case and discover afterward that you have months of medical treatment to undergo for an injury that wasn’t readily evident.
It will be too late. You generally cannot recover damages once you have settled the claim. If your settlement didn’t address medical costs – current and future – you may find yourself unable to do so.
Injuries don’t always manifest on the outside right away; sometimes hidden injuries may arise. For instance, internal organs (including the brain) can be severely damaged.
Additionally, what may appear to be a sprain could turn out to be a fracture. Oftentimes neck and back injuries could be more significant than a victim believes.
After you have been thoroughly evaluated, that information can be used as medical evidence in a claim, this could include:
- test results;
- copies of X-rays;
- a note from the doctor indicating the diagnosis; and
- other medical records.
Of course, seeking medical care is just one thing that you should do.
Other Steps After a Car Accident
Your claim can also be impacted by other things you do or don’t do after a crash. For instance, it’s important to remain at the scene of the accident. You should also make sure all of the individuals involved are okay and check if they require medical attention.
If pictures can be taken of the accident scene or any visible injuries you have, this can be helpful as evidence. Be sure to take a variety of shots using different angles.
It’s important to get the names and phone numbers of witnesses, along with all drivers involved. You will also want to get other details from the driver such as the name of his or her insurance company.
But knowing what to do after a car accident goes beyond snapping pictures and exchanging contact information; it includes preserving everything. Keeping records and documentation will be critical. Having it all in one folder can make it easier to locate what you need.
You should also consider keeping a journal, which logs conversations you had with the insurance company and others. Make sure it’s detailed so you can refer to it as needed when organizing your case.
Of course, in addition to knowing what to do after a car accident, you should have an understanding of what to expect from the insurance company.
Adjusters may attempt to:
- get you to settle quickly;
- avoid settling until you are evaluated by a doctor; and
- consult your attorney.
The insurance company may also try to settle your case for as little as possible. This is why it’s critical you keep track of the medical expenses, including any future ones, so that you can seek a settlement amount that is fair.
Consult a Personal Injury Lawyer in Long Island
The medical evaluation you receive after a crash is a significant part of the evidence that will be necessary for your claim. Contact a personal injury lawyer at Gacovino, Lake & Associates on Long Island to review your medical evidence for your claim and for help with the various legal steps you have to take after a car accident (888) 246-4878.
