Being involved in an accident of any kind is a traumatic experience that can leave people scarred both physically and emotionally. If you have recently been in a car crash and you are trying to piece your life back together in the aftermath, these are the six top tips from an experienced lawyer.
Get Medical Help
In the immediate moments after a crash, make sure that you are thoroughly examined by paramedics and taken to the hospital if necessary. Remember to always advocate for yourself if something feels wrong so that the doctors can check on you and treat you as soon as possible. This will help prevent long-term issues or disabilities from the accident. Even if you were not severely injured in the car crash, you may still experience soreness in the following days after the accident. If these pains do not subside after a few days, then go to the emergency room and let the doctors know what happened to you. You may have an issue like whiplash or strained muscles that require treatment.
Find an Attorney
If you feel like you have been wrongfully treated in the aftermath of your car crash or you are the victim of reckless driving which resulted in the car accident, you should contact a lawyer in the days following the incident. An expert car accident lawyer in Atlanta can walk you through your options and advocate for you as you negotiate with insurance companies. They can also be an asset if you have to stand up against the person guilty of the accident in court.
Working through a car crash case can be complicated and stressful, so hiring a competent and experienced car accident lawyer will take the burden off of you having to compile a case alone. You can work side by side with your attorney to gather evidence, collect witness statements, and go to court if necessary. Sometimes insurance companies try to get out of paying for medical fees and other costs associated with car accidents, so a lawyer can help you work with both your insurance company and the insurance company of the guilty party to get the proper compensation.
Document the Scene
If you or anyone else in the car with you during the accident can walk around in the minutes after the accident, the best thing you can do while you wait for the police to take statements and for the injured to get treated is to walk around and take photos of the scene. Any visual documentation that proves that you were not at fault will help you if your case ends up in court. This is especially important if the guilty party tries to put the guilt on you. The more evidence you have to prove your innocence, the better chance you have of getting justice and receiving the most compensation.
This is also a good time to talk to everyone about their point of view of the crash while it is still fresh in their minds. The police will ask for witness statements as well, but it does not hurt to gather your own evidence. It is also important to note if the other driver was acting strange in any way or may have been under the influence. If that is the case, you have a good chance of getting compensation for your injuries that were sustained because of their reckless driving.
Gather Evidence and Documentation
As you work with your lawyer to build a case, it is important to keep copies of police reports, witness statements, and medical documents so that you can prove to insurance companies and legal professionals that your injuries were as a result of the car accident. This will help your lawyer to build a stronger case for your innocence. You and anyone else who was in the car with you can work with your lawyer to give detailed accounts of the events that led up to the crash and the events immediately following.
Know Your Rights
As you are building your case, make sure that you do your research and know your rights as a victim of a car crash. Knowing your rights can be very empowering and will help you as you navigate the murky waters of the legal system. Understanding the intricacies of injury cases can help you be a competent client for your lawyer and make you feel more empowered if you have to take the witness stand and speak for yourself. This is all something that can be done as you are sitting around and healing from whatever injuries you have.
Focus on Healing
Although the legal aspect of car crashes can take up a person’s life as they fight for their rights, it is just as important to dedicate your time to healing. In order to make a full recovery from anything from broken bones to muscle tears to nerve damage, you have to have a rigorous recovery routine. Making time for physical therapy appointments between legal meetings and getting your daily life back on track will help you heal more quickly and correctly. Each medical treatment that you receive is also more proof that you can use to document your recovery journey.
Try integrating holistic techniques like yoga and meditation into your recovery routine to regain your strength and mental fortitude. These will help balance you as you navigate through the legal proceedings that will get you your compensation. You can be a better witness in court and a valuable witness if you have a clear mind and a strong attitude.
No one expects to be in a life-altering car accident, but it is always good to be prepared for things like this to happen. For car accident attorneys, this is a daily reality as they work to get compensation for their clients who have been wronged by reckless drivers. If you were recently injured in a car crash and you are working to overcome your injuries, don’t be afraid to reach out to a lawyer to help you get the help and compensation you need.