There are many steps people should take after a highway car collision in Grand Prairie. After seeking medical attention, it is best to speak to a knowledgeable car accident lawyer. An experienced attorney in your community can help you take the right steps after a car accident on the highway.
Stay At The Scene
Immediately following a collision, it is best to stay at the scene. Never leave the accident scene until it’s appropriate. If they leave, particularly where someone has sustained injuries or was killed, they could face criminal penalties for being hit and run driver.
Additionally, those involved in the collision should check on all drivers and passengers. Before assessing property damage, make sure everyone involved in the accident is okay. Get medical attention for anyone who needs it. If a person is unconscious or has neck or back pain, do not move them until qualified medical help arrives, unless a hazard requires moving the person.
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Call Emergency Services
Next, those involved in a collision should call the police. If there is significant property damage, physical injury, death, they are certainly going to need to call the police, ask that a report be filed, and obtain the name and badge numbers of the responding officers, before exchanging information, the names, numbers, address, driver’s license numbers, licensed plate numbers, and basic insurance information from all drivers involved.
Speak to Witnesses and Others Involved In The Collision
Following a collision, it is best to talk to witnesses, if possible. Ask every witness what he or she saw, get their names, numbers, addresses, if possible. And ask locals if they’ve ever witnessed other accidents in the same place.
If there are passengers, also obtain their names, numbers, and addresses. In talking to other drivers, try to be cordial and cooperative. However, drivers should never apologize for anything at the scene. They may be admitting legal liability for what happened.
Immediately after an accident, it might not be clear who was at fault or primarily at fault. Moreover, fault is not always determinative of which insurer will pay for the loss. So, that is why it is best practiced not to admit guilt unintentionally or unnecessarily.
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Reporting The Collision to The Insurance Company
Those who have been involved in a collision should properly tell their insurance carrier they have been in an accident. Cooperate with them and tell them the truth about what happened and the extent of their injuries. It is best to explain the facts clearly.
If the insurance company finds out that they have lied to them about anything, they can get into serious trouble, including possible denial of coverage for the accident. Obtain and review any police report filed, so they could find out who broke what traffic laws or who is at fault.
It is important to be wary of early settlement offers. Be careful if the insurance company offers an early settlement. Confirm all their physical injuries have been treated. Some injuries do not show up or reach their greatest level of discomfort until many days, weeks, or months later. Do not settle a claim until the full value of the injuries and damages are calculated.
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Seek Medical Treatment
Keeping track of medical treatment is essential after a highway car crash. Note any doctors, physical therapists, chiropractors, or other medical professionals that they received treatment from, and each medical provider that referred them to other caregivers.
Keep a detailed account of the treatments and or medications they received. Also, request copies of all medical reports and bills as these help them prove their medical expenses later. Since medical expenses are relatively easy to document, but pain and suffering is trickier to prove.
So, take a paper record of how their injuries have impacted their daily life, including missed workdays, list any routine activities they can’t undertake, and describe how the injuries have affected their family life.
Collect As Much Evidence As Possible
It is extremely important to take pictures and or videos following a crash. Pictures of any damage to their vehicle as soon as possible, they are going to help the insurance adjuster determine how much to compensate for the damage to their car and these will also help in court. Also, pictures of their car prior to the accident can offer a great compare and contrast to show the true extent of damages sustained.
Property Damage Valuation
After a collision, the injured claimant should get a property damage valuation. Obtain their insurance company’s damaged valuation. If they aren’t satisfied with how their insurance company valued their vehicle, don’t give up. Get a couple of more independent repair estimates, assertively inform their adjuster of their concerns, agree on their car’s value, consider mediation, or consult an attorney.
Reach Out to a Car Accident Attorney As Soon As Possible
If anyone was injured in the crash, it’s best to consult an experienced attorney. An attorney can help protect your rights and help you maximize your recovery if you are injured in a car collision. Call today to learn about the steps to take after a highway car collision in Grand Prairie.
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