A car accident can be traumatic for the passengers in the car. In the moments following the accident, it is difficult to think clearly and what action to be taken. Because of this confusion and trauma, the car driver often forgets to document important evidence and take the right steps which can be a huge help in the legal case that follows the accident. These small mistakes can decrease your chances of getting the right compensation when you file a personal injury claim in the future. Therefore, it is important to be educated about what steps to take following a car accident.
Things to do after being injured in a car accident in Seattle:-
Report the accident: The first thing to do is to report the accident by making a call to 911 and explaining to them what happened. Ask them to send medical personnel and law enforcement agencies to the scene. As per law, stay at the accident scene till the police arrive.
Check for injuries: Check if you or your co-passengers are injured in any way. Call 911 for help and wait till the medical personnel arrives at the scene. Some injuries do not show up immediately following the accident but after a few days of it. Make sure you do a routine check-up at the hospital for any internal injuries.
Take witness contact info: Eyewitness statements help a lot in such cases. Make sure to take witness contact information like their phone number, address, email ID, etc. so that your lawyer can reach out to them in the future to take their statements. Such witnesses can also testify in court if needed.
Document the scene: If possible, document the whole scene, which will act as evidence in your injury claim. Take photos and videos of the damaged car, accident scene, skid marks, etc. Write down the location, date, and time of the accident for reference.
Consult a lawyer: Many times, the insurance company might not help you in car accident claims or might influence you to take a lower settlement. Be wise and consult a lawyer following the accident. The lawyer will ensure you are not taken advantage of and will guide you on what to do next.
Car accident claims can be quite a time taking. The insurance companies also try to stretch these claims and try to offer a lowball settlement to the victims. To ensure that you are not cheated by the tricks of the insurance company, it is wise to hire a car accident lawyer to look into your injury claim. They will ensure you get a fair judgment and the compensation that you deserve.
