On your way to go grocery shopping, another vehicle swerved into your lane and slammed straight into your car. Luckily, you survived. Now, you have to deal with the issues that are forthcoming. You were injured and you know that you need to call the police and get medical care, so you realize you should call 911.
Now that you have contacted the authorities and you know that they are on the way, it is time to make sure that you have some idea of what you need to do from here. Consider these five points about what you should do after a car crash.
Should I make a statement?
You will likely have to make a statement as long as you are able to speak. It is imperative that you tell the officer what happened leading up to and during the crash. You shouldn’t say anything that would make the police think that you might have been the cause of the crash. It is best to just stick to facts, answer what questions you are asked in the most simple manner,
Do I need to go to all the medical appointments I’m given?
This is a personal choice that you have to make. However, going to all of the appointments can show that you are making an effort to minimize the damages that you suffered. You do have the right to decline any medical treatment that you don’t feel is necessary or that you don’t want to have to deal with.
How should I handle the insurance claim?
You should handle the insurance claim in the exact same manner as you handled the statement to the insurance company. Make factual statements, but don’t say anything that will make the person to whom you are speaking think that you caused the crash. You can also have your lawyer handle the insurance company.
What should I know about covering other damages?
You might opt to seek compensation for the damages you suffered in the accident. This can often be helpful if you had to pay medical bills or if you had to miss work while you recovered. It could also help to cover other costs related to the crash.
How might a case be resolved?
A lawsuit for compensation after a car crash might go to a jury trial. It could also be resolved through a settlement if you and the other side could come to an agreement about what you should receive for the damages you suffered.
Source: Nov. 30, -0001