If you have been seriously injured in an accident, the last thing you want to worry about is how you are going to take care of yourself and your family. The good news is that there are resources available to help you through this difficult time. In this blog post, we will outline the steps you need to take in order to get the financial and legal assistance you need.
Handling the aftermath of a serious personal injury – How to do it
Personal injuries are never easy to deal with. Not only do you have to cope with the physical pain and emotional trauma, but you also have to worry about the financial implications of your injury.
If you have been seriously injured in an accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Hence, if you are to gain compensation, you might want to know the difference between PTSD compensation and personal injury compensation.
Now, of course, no one is expecting you to understand the law and all of its complexities, but it would be helpful to know the basics. On the other hand, with the right attorney by your side, you can focus on your recovery while they take care of the legalities. In order to get started on the road to recovery, there are a few things you need to do:
Seek medical attention
Seeking medical attention should be your first priority after an accident. It is crucial to get evaluated by a doctor, even if you feel that your injuries are not severe. Some injuries, such as whiplash, may not present symptoms immediately. If you wait too long to seek medical attention, the insurance company may argue that your injuries are not related to the accident.
Medical attention is also important if you want to make a personal injury claim. When you see a doctor, be sure to keep all of your medical records and documentation in one place. This will be helpful when you meet with an attorney.
Get the contact information for witnesses
If there are people who saw the accident, get their names and contact information. One of the main reasons for this is because the testimony of the witness can be a crucial part of the trial. On the other hand, if the other driver was at fault, their insurance company may try to contact witnesses in an attempt to get them to change their story. You can also get the contact information for any security cameras that may have captured the accident.
Gather evidence
If you have a camera phone, take pictures of the accident scene, your injuries, and the other driver’s vehicle. For example, in case there are skid marks from sudden breaks on the road, you should ensure you take a picture of that. This evidence will be important in proving your case.
In addition, be sure to save any medical bills, pay stubs, or other documentation related to the accident. Anything you save or collect will be helpful to your attorney. Moreover, you can always consult an accident reconstruction specialist to get a better understanding of how the accident happened.
Hire an experienced personal injury attorney
This is perhaps the most important step you can take after an accident. An experienced attorney will know how to deal with insurance companies and their adjusters. They will also be able to negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf. When looking for a personal injury lawyer, be sure to ask for referrals from friends or family members who have been in a similar situation.
You can also look for reviews online. Once you’ve found a few attorneys you are interested in, schedule a consultation so you can get to know them and see if they are a good fit for your case. In addition, if your case goes to trial, an experienced attorney will know how to present your case in the best light possible.
File a claim with the insurance company
Once you have gathered all of the necessary evidence, you will need to file a claim with the insurance company. The insurance adjuster will likely try to lowball you, but don’t be afraid to stand your ground. If you are not happy with the initial offer, be sure to counter-offer. Remember, you are not required to accept the first offer.
File a personal injury lawsuit
In case the insurance company does not agree to a fair settlement, you can always resort to filing a personal injury lawsuit. This is a complicated process, so it’s important to have an experienced attorney by your side. A personal injury lawsuit will usually take longer to resolve than an insurance claim, but it may be the only way to get the compensation you deserve.
No one ever expects to be involved in a serious accident. However, if you are involved in one, it’s important to know how to handle the aftermath. Seek medical attention, gather evidence, and hire an experienced personal injury attorney. When on the road to recovery, each of these steps will help you ensure everything is set and done after the accident.
