Any accident is stressful. When you’re injured in an accident, that can be particularly devastating. What’s most important is focusing on your recovery. If you’re trying to handle your own personal injury case, you can’t do that. There is a process to follow that can give you the best chance of receiving the compensation you deserve. Experienced personal injury attorney, Belal Hamideh, recommends the following.
After an accident, knowing the appropriate steps to take can make a significant difference in protecting legal rights and ensuring fair compensation. Accidents are stressful and disorienting, but acting quickly and decisively is essential for physical recovery and safeguarding a potential claim.
Following these steps doesn’t guarantee that you’ll receive maximum compensation. What it does mean is that you’ll have the best chance of success.
Immediately After the Accident
Remaining at the scene of an accident is not only crucial for personal safety but also a legal requirement. Leaving the site prematurely can lead to severe legal consequences, even if the incident seems minor. Staying put ensures compliance with the law and facilitates proper documentation of the accident.
Safety should be the top priority. This includes checking for injuries and, if possible, moving to a secure location to avoid further harm. Using hazard lights and other warning signals can alert oncoming traffic, reducing the likelihood of additional collisions.
What to Do After You’ve Gotten Your Bearings (If You Can)
Contacting emergency services is a critical step. Dialing 911 ensures that medical assistance and law enforcement are dispatched promptly. If there are injured parties, avoid moving them unless immediate danger necessitates it.
Even in situations where injuries are not apparent, having a police officer document the incident creates an official report that could be vital for a future claim.
Thoroughly collecting information at the scene can help, but don’t do it unless you can do so safely.
This includes gathering the names, contact details, insurance information, and license plate numbers of all involved parties. Witness contact information can also be invaluable.
Photographs of the accident site, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries should be taken, provided it can be done safely. These records serve as evidence that can strengthen a claim.
Again, don’t do this if there’s the slightest chance that it could put you in further harm’s way. Additionally, do not do this if it could potentially worsen your injuries.
What to Keep in Mind When Talking to Other Parties
It is essential to avoid admitting fault at any stage. Comments that could be interpreted as an admission of guilt might harm the ability to secure full compensation.
Sticking to factual descriptions when discussing the incident with others, including law enforcement and insurance representatives, is the best approach.
Reporting the accident to the insurance company promptly is necessary. While doing so, it is important to provide accurate information without embellishments or assumptions. Sticking to the facts ensures that the report remains consistent with other evidence.
When to Contact a Personal Injury Attorney
In a word, quickly. Once you’ve done the above, then contact an attorney.
Timelines for filing claims vary depending on the circumstances of the accident. For most personal injury cases in California, the statute of limitations is two years from the accident date. However, cases involving government entities require filing a claim within six months, with an additional six months to file a lawsuit if the claim is denied.
These deadlines emphasize the importance of seeking legal assistance early to preserve all options.
What an Experienced Attorney Can Do During Your Free Case Evaluation
Belal can let you know exactly what your claim is worth and how to get everything you deserve. Medical bills, future medical care, lost income, vehicle repairs, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering must all be considered.
These injuries can result in significant financial burdens, especially when factoring in ongoing medical care and rehabilitation. Belal helps victims pursue compensation that covers not only immediate medical expenses but also anticipated future costs.
Additionally, Belal works closely with medical providers who offer care on a contingency basis, ensuring that accident victims receive necessary treatment without upfront costs. This arrangement allows individuals to focus on recovery without worrying about medical expenses interfering with their legal claims.
Belal Can Help With the Insurance Company
Insurers want you to get the lowest money they can offer. If you think that the money they offer is not enough to cover your losses, it’s best to speak to a personal injury lawyer. In this way, you can be sure that you’re getting everything that you deserve.
Simply put, Belal can negotiate for you. Retaining legal counsel shortly after an accident is particularly important. Without an attorney to negotiate or litigate, accepting a subpar offer becomes more likely, leaving you without the resources you need for recovery.
In the aftermath of an accident, taking the right steps and having skilled legal representation can significantly impact the outcome of a claim. Belal Hamideh and his team are dedicated to helping clients recover the compensation they deserve, allowing them to move forward with confidence and security.
To see how we can help, schedule a free case evaluation today.