Car accidents happen in the blink of an eye and can leave you with lifelong consequences. Did you know that if you are hurt in a motor vehicle accident and it was not your fault, you are entitled to lodge an insurance claim. That’s why compulsory third party insurance exists.
Here are seven key things to do if you are involved in a car accident:
Seek Medical Attention
If you are hurt, seek immediate medical attention. Insurers like to argue that because you didn’t report an injury soon after the accident, that you weren’t hurt at all or that it is not as bad or as serious as you claim. Call an ambulance or see your GP as soon as you can. Tell them you were in an accident. Don’t just tell them what hurts the most – tell your doctor about everything that hurts and make sure they keep a good record on their file.
Take Photos
Everyone sees and processes things differently and people’s memory of events can change over time. Photos are an excellent way to record the scene and are not affected by time or perceptions. Take photos of everything you can at the scene of the accident- the other car, the other driver, damage to your car, road conditions, landmarks in the area, skid marks and any obvious injuries. Often an insurer will argue that the accident wasn’t as bad as what you say. You want to be able to show them exactly where and how you were hit. If the insurer is saying you are at fault or partly at fault, photos taken at the scene can help you present your version accurately and reliably.
Things to Say at the Scene of the Accident
Be very careful what you say at the scene of the accident and to who you say it to. At the accident exchange registration, contact and insurance details with the other driver but don’t talk to the other driver about how the accident happened.
Things to Say to a Doctor
What you say to every single doctor or health care provider you see for treatment becomes part of your evidence in a claim. This starts with ambulance officers, in the emergency department or with your GP or physiotherapist later on. The insurer will eventually review all of your medical records and they are able to use anything found in those records. If a doctor mistakenly writes something down wrong or misunderstands you, the insurer may use this to try and reduce your claim.
Select Your Car Accident Lawyer
Pick your car accident lawyer very carefully. Communication is key – if you can’t communicate directly with your lawyer every step of the way, you should not hire them or that law firm. You will need to speak openly with your lawyer about your situation, including impacts on your health, your family life, your work etc. Communication is essential to preparing your case properly and getting the best possible outcome. Big is not always better. Some larger firms run like a production line so they can pay expensive overheads and advertising costs. Smaller firms offer a more personalised and individual experience. Whether a large firm or small one make sure your car accident lawyer is an experienced accredited personal injury law specialist and that the day to day work on your claim is actually done by your lawyer.
Avoid Being Overcharged
When it comes to fees, avoid the car accident lawyer or law firm who won’t explain everything to you. Fees should never be a secret and if your lawyer can’t or won’t explain likely fees at the very beginning don’t hire them. You are entitled to transparency of fees to avoid the risk of being over charged.
Right to Switch Lawyers
You can switch lawyers at any time. It is easy to do. If you lose confidence in your lawyer and their firm then you need to get a new one. You have the right to be kept informed about fees, timeframes for progressing your case, settlement estimates and the risks. If you feel left out in the dark, move on. Arrangements will need to be made to pay your old lawyer’s fees for work they have done, and usually payment can to then old firm can be made at the end, when your claim is successful. Your new lawyer can organise this for you.
How a Car Accident Lawyer at James Law Can Help You
James Law is a specialist personal injury compensation law firm dedicated to helping people with work injury claims, motor vehicle accident claims, occupational cancer and industrial disease, public liability, medical negligence and disability insurance claims. James Law offers No Win No Fee arrangements for personal injury claims and unlike many other personal injury law firms we do not charge an Uplift Fee.
If you are considering a claim, want to change lawyers or need advice about a claim, get in contact with us so we can help.