Anyone involved in a motor vehicle accident understands how chaotic an accident scene can be. Suddenly and without warning, you are placed in a situation filled with emotions such as fear, anxiety and confusion. Not only are you worried about yourself but also about your vehicle. Unfortunately, this flood of emotions may cause you to make decisions that could detrimentally affect your ability to recover from the injuries you sustained in the accident.
First and foremost, if you feel you have been injured in an accident do not hesitate to seek immediate medical attention. Simply put, go to the Hospital. Oftentimes, individuals are optimistic the pain or injuries sustained will simply go away on their own. Sadly, they do not. Keep in mind the first $10,000 of your medical treatment is covered under your insurance. As such, even if you do not have health insurance your automobile personal injury protection coverage will pay 80% of your medical bills up to $10,000. By seeking immediate medical attention, you are ensuring that you have not sustained a serious or life-threatening injury. In addition, you are establishing a record that you began to experience pain immediately following the accident.
Another thing you should not do after a car accident is to avoid calling the police. Calling the police to the scene of an accident is extremely important. Upon arrival at the scene of an accident, the police officer will gather crucial information regarding the collision and fault. For example, the officer will determine all the parties involved in the motor vehicle accident’s identity and other vital information such as who the insurance companies are that will respond for the drivers. Also, the officer will acquire the information of any independent witnesses that observed the accident. As a personal injury attorney, being able to know the identity and addresses of potential witnesses is extremely important in determining who is responsible for causing the accident. As such, always call the police after an accident.
Finally, be very wary of phone calls from the negligent driver’s insurance company offering you money to settle your claim immediately after an accident. After a car accident you need to know what to do, you may receive a phone call from the negligent driver’s insurance company offering you money in exchange for you to sign a release. This offer may be very tempting. However, as soon as you accept the money and sign the release you have essentially terminated your ability to recover any future money for your injuries. Essentially, the insurance company is asking you to take a certain amount of money without knowing in reality what your injuries or future medical bills will be due to the negligence of their insured driver. Imagine this, you accept and settle your claim a few days after the accident only to later learn you will require additional in serious medical treatment which will cost you $1000’s. Sadly, this happens very often. As such, always seek the advice of a qualified personal injury litigation attorney prior to accepting any money from an insurance company following an accident.
If you or a loved one were injured in a motor vehicle accident and need legal advice, contact LaBovick Law Group. Do not fight the insurance company alone. Hire a qualified car accident attorney that will know the real value of your case and is willing to fight on your behalf. At the LaBovick Law Group, we have a team of qualified attorneys prepared to discuss your case 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. Do not forget the consultation is free!
