What should you do immediately after a car accident? Should you call a car accident lawyer right away? Do you even need to hire a lawyer for help with your car accident insurance claim or should you just take care of everything on your own?
No one ever expects to be involved in a collision or road mishap, so most people don’t know what to do. The first thing to remember is to stay calm so you can think clearly. Check if you or anyone in the scene needs immediate medical help. Your first priority should be to call the authorities and seek treatment for any injuries—however minor they may seem.
When possible, do take pictures or video clips of the accident scene. It’s helpful to document any property damage, any traffic rules violated by the at-fault driver, your injuries, etc. These materials can serve as evidence later on should there be a dispute over who was at fault. You can give them to your injury lawyer later.
You will also need to exchange contact details with the other drivers or parties involved in the crash, as well as witnesses. Don’t admit to anything or blame the other party, though. You don’t want to say anything that may hurt your case later on.
Be sure to get medical attention even if you think your injuries are not serious. Concussions and other complications may develop, after all, so it’s best to be prudent. Keep all medical documentation related to the accident as proof of the treatment you received and the expenses you incurred. Your injury lawyer may need this later on. Try your best to follow the physician’s orders regarding any additional tests or follow-up appointments. Failing to do this can prompt the insurance company to dispute the seriousness of your injuries.
It’s always a good idea to talk to a car accident lawyer about your legal options. They can help with car accident insurance claims as well as in defending your rights. You definitely need a car accident lawyer if you believe that you were injured because of the other party’s negligence. You can also get legal help if you and your insurer are struggling to come to an agreement. A lawyer can take over your claim and handle the negotiations for you.
Get in touch with Graves and Richard to discuss your personal injury claim. We have been focused on personal injury law since 1986 and continue to be a premiere law firm in southern Ontario.
