Suffering a car accident in Delray Beach can be a frightening experience, especially if you’ve been injured. No matter the type of crash you’ve been in, it can seem overwhelming to navigate what to do in the aftermath. However, there are a few basic steps you must take.
The decisions you make immediately after being involved in a car crash will affect your health, legal rights, and more. An experienced Delray Beach car accident attorney can help protect you and your family. That’s where Steinberg Law comes in.
The Most Important Thing You Should Do
Seeking medical attention for you and any passengers is the most critical step. Many victims underestimate the severity or even the presence of their injuries. They may incorrectly believe their injuries are minor or that they don’t have any. The problem is that your condition could dramatically worsen in the hours and days after your car accident. Don’t put your health at risk. If you’ve been in a wreck, no matter how minor it seems, see a medical professional.
There is another reason for this. If you don’t see a doctor and your injuries worsen, the at-fault party’s attorney will likely blame you. They will claim you aggravated your own injuries by neglecting to get medical attention. Any significant delay between a car accident and seeing a doctor can therefore jeopardize your right to recovery. After you see your doctor, talk to a knowledgeable Delray Beach car crash lawyer.
Police Reports and Evidence Gathering
Call 911 to report the accident so the police can show up and make a police report. This document contains vital, basic information about the accident. It usually includes the identities of the parties along with the date, time, and location of the crash. Your Delray Beach automobile accident attorney can obtain a copy of this report on your behalf.
The police report is just one piece of evidence you’ll need as you build a personal injury case. You will also need copies of your medical bills detailing the hospitalization and other treatments you received. List any prescription medications, adaptive medical equipment, and other items you have. Obtain records concerning lost wages due to recovery, medical appointments, and more.
Much of this evidence can be gathered almost immediately after the accident. For example, you can take pictures and videos of the accident scene. Include evidence of damage to your car so you can recover for that as well. Talk to witnesses at the scene of the crash and get their names and contact information. A Delray Beach car crash attorney can help obtain certain evidence like surveillance camera footage.
Dealing With the Insurance Companies
Your insurance policy may require you to communicate basic information about the accident to your insurer. Be sure to read your policy closely and comply with any such terms. If you have questions, reach out to a Delray Beach auto accident attorney. Our firm can assist you.
If the at-fault party’s insurance company contacts you, refer them to your lawyer. Insurers (and this includes your own) are focused primarily on profits, not on you. They are notorious for using a number of tricks to underpay or outright deny payments to accident victims. The safest step you can take is to let your attorney handle all communications with the insurance company.
Putting Our Experience to Work for You
You can expect to incur significant financial expenses stemming from your accident. Retaining skilled legal counsel will help you and your family seek compensation for them. The Delray Beach car accident attorneys of Steinberg Law are ready to represent you. Give us a call today to get started.
