The first step anyone should take after any type of accident, including a car accident, is to take photos of the scene. Getting clear evidence may prove difficult in a slip-and-fall kind of situation. When someone falls, they are typically embarrassed. They might get the natural urge to check their surroundings and pick themselves up quickly before anybody notices. Regardless, whether it’s a severe car accident or an unfortunate trip-up at a grocery store, you must fight that instinct to pick yourself up and casually move on. Doing so may mean that later on, once you realize you’re hurt or have severe damages to your property, you may likely not be able to be compensated.People often believe that they’re entitled to compensation simply because they fall in a store. It usually takes extensive education to help clients understand that you must show adequate evidence that the opposing party is genuinely responsible for the condition that caused you to become injured. Thus, determining the full conditions of the injury is the essential first step after an accident. That’s why getting photos, looking around, and being alert are top priorities after a car accident. Another note is that, while it is imperative to have pictures of the accident scene in any case, this is especially critical in a premises liability case where you have sustained an injury on someone else’s premises.
When taking photos of an accident scene, you want to show exactly where the cars are, how they came into contact, and clear images of the damage. Sometimes you can’t accomplish this due to the severity of an injury. Do what you can, but of course, prioritize seeking any necessary medical treatment above all. The next step is to document any potential witnesses’ full names and contact information. Again and again, people leave the scene of an accident without ever identifying who hit them or finding them in the future.
After a car accident, I recommend speaking with an attorney before meeting with a claim adjuster or the other driver’s insurance. Underneath the surface, the insurance company’s real agenda is to settle the claim while spending as little money as possible. Insurance companies will not give genuine legal advice or direct opposing victims on the best way to handle their claims. Nor will they inform an opposing party of any existing limits to funding for medical care. Remember that the insurance company functions solely to protect the person responsible for your injuries and to maximize their own profits. Early in your claim process, having an attorney from the start makes the difference between a good and bad outcome. There are many instances where individuals are forced to seek the aid of an attorney only after trying to handle the claims themselves. When this occurs, it is frequently evident that insurance adjusters had already told them plenty of misinformation. Usually, they have lost all control over the situation because they’ve signed authorizations for the insurance company to get all their medical records. Most people don’t even know what medical records the insurance company gathers. Then, the insurance company wrongfully tells them what their case is worth. An attorney will gather all necessary documentation to ensure that the client gets adequate medical care. An attorney for car accidents is also trained in negotiation and will handle all communication with the insurance company.
After taking photos and having substantial documentation, the second primary step is to get proper medical care. You want to establish a baseline of what injuries you have. Please don’t assume that you can neglect your physical condition for weeks and expect it to improve on its own. The more time between the accident date and the point you choose to seek medical care, the more likely the insurance company can get out of paying a fair amount. Insurance companies can claim that anything else could have physically happened to you in the period before you went to the doctor. They can even frame the narrative to paint you as blaming your new condition on the accident. This situation happens more often than one might realize, which is why it’s so essential to consult an attorney right away.
For more information on Personal Injury Law In North Carolina, a free initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you seek by calling (919) 999-4462 today.
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