Your primary right following an automobile accident is to obtain medical attention. You should see a doctor to rule out hidden injuries, even if your injuries seem minor. It’s also essential to report the incident to the police to have an official record of what happened. This can help in pursuing rightful compensation later on.

Seek Medical Attention

While it may be tempting to skip out on getting checked out by a doctor after a car accident, doing so could prove detrimental. A medical evaluation will help to confirm that any injuries you sustained are directly linked to the accident and can be used to your compensation claim.

Even injuries that appear minor at first glance may have dangerous underlying consequences that take time to show up, such as internal bleeding or concussion symptoms.

Seeking medical attention ensures that all visible and non-visible injuries are assessed and documented so that appropriate treatment can be provided.

In addition, not seeking medical attention after a car accident can be used against injury victims by insurance companies, who argue that the injuries aren’t as severe as they are or that something else caused them. Documentation from a medical professional can be the key to resolving disputes and obtaining the maximum possible compensation. It also establishes a timeline of treatment that can be used in personal injury claims and lawsuits.

an Attorney

A knowledgeable car accident San Antonio lawyer can respond to your inquiries, outline your available legal options, and provide you with case updates. Your attorney can also bargain with the insurance company for a just settlement. Always remain on the scene of a crash and exchange information with the other driver(s). The law requires that you do this. However, it is important not to it fault, discuss your medical treatment or provide any other information to the other driver or their insurance company.

The other driver’s insurance company may you after a crash to ask for information and pressure you into accepting a low settlement offer. Do not speak with them or give them statements without getting an attorney first. The last thing you want is to settle for less than your injuries and losses deserve. In addition, it can take hours or even days for certain injuries (such as whiplash) to show up, which could hurt your claim.

Report the Accident

Even if you believe the collision was minor, ensure law enforcement attends the scene to file an accident report. A police officer’s opinion of the crash and who is at fault can be invaluable later on when insurance companies investigate. Wait for an officer to arrive while you remain on the side of the road with your hazard lights on. Reporting a collision that results in injuries, fatalities, or property damage of more than $1,000 is mandated by numerous state laws.

Provide the witness and the officer with your name and details. Please take pictures of the vehicles involved in the collision and note their license plate numbers.

 Avoid posting details of your accident on social media sites, as this could be used against you by the other driver’s insurance company to reduce or deny your claim. If eyewitnesses leave the scene before law enforcement arrives, ask them for their names and information.

File a Claim

It is not possible to fully recover your damages from a car accident without filing an insurance claim. Suppose the other driver is found to be at fault. In that case, their insurer will cover your expenses, including medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and noneconomic damages like pain and suffering. You will want to file a car accident report within a reasonable time following the crash. This will help ensure you have the necessary information to complete your claim. This step includes sharing the name, information, license plate numbers, and insurance company of each involved driver, whether police were called, their case number, and a description of the accident.

You should also collect eyewitness information if you can. This could be invaluable in resolving any disputes over the accident’s cause. Take as many photos of the scene as possible, including skid marks and damage to nearby property like fences, trees and buildings.