Millions of people are involved in motor vehicles accidents in the United States each year, resulting in fatalities as well as serious injuries. In 2009, there were more than 5.5 million car accidents in the U.S., which resulted in 31,000 deaths and nearly two million injuries. For those injured in a car accident, it is immensely important to be aware of the appropriate steps to take afterward in order to protect yourself from further harm. Too often, car accident victims are taken advantage of during their time of need or their rights are violated without their knowledge.
Most people assume that insurance companies operate in the best interest of victims, protecting them from harm and ensuring that they receive the compensation they are entitled to. Unfortunately, some insurance companies actually train their claims adjusters to reject personal injury claims, or drag out the claim over a long period of time in hopes that the victim will simply give up. This deceptive practice prevents victims from receiving the reimbursement they are entitled to, leaving them to shoulder an overwhelming financial burden on top of the physical pain they have already endured. It is imperative that victims of motor vehicle accidents take the necessary steps in order to protect themselves following an accident, which often includes hiring a car accident attorney to represent their case.
Document the Scene of the Accident
The first step to take following a motor vehicle accident is to document the scene of the accident. Besides contacting the police and offering an official statement, accident victims should also do what they can to sufficiently record the nature of the accident. It may be necessary to replicate the scene and the details of the accident in order to determine what caused the accident and with whom liability lies. Documenting the scene of the accident may involve taking photographs of the accident and the cars involved, making sure a full police report has been filed, and collecting the personal information, insurance company, and vehicle identification number of all individuals involved in the accident. It is also important to remember to avoid admitting fault or liability to anyone; you should limit your interaction to the police alone.
Contact your Insurance Company
Next, contact your insurance company in order to process a personal injury claim. It may benefit you to speak with your Best auto accident attorneys nashville insurance agent while you are at the scene of the accident with a police officer, who may be able to provide your insurance company with more accurate and pertinent information. It is important to provide your insurance company with extensive details concerning the accident and the extent of your injuries. Remain in contact with your insurance company in order to ensure your rights are protected and to make sure you are taken seriously.
Seek Medical Attention
The next step to take after being involved in a car accident is to seek medical attention. While some car accident injuries are easily recognizable, like bruises and lacerations, others may take a longer period of time to surface, such as concussions and neck or back injuries. It is important to see a medical professional immediately after a motor vehicle accident so that these less noticeable injuries can be detected and treated promptly. Without proper medical care, these injuries can cause serious complications in the near future and later in life, and if you wait too long after an accident to visit a medical professional, it may be difficult to establish a connection between the accident and your injury. It is also imperative to seek medical attention following an accident so that your injuries can be recorded and you have adequate medical