No one wants to imagine themselves being the victim of a car accident, but they are unfortunately common in the United States. With millions of accidents occurring on the road each year, you need to take steps to protect yourself, but you also need to know what to do in the event of an accident. Fortunately, there are plenty of resources that are available to provide you with advice and information, you just need to know where to look for them. If you’re not sure where to start or what to do, keep reading to learn about some of the steps you should take following a car accident.
What are the steps to take following a car accident?
The first thing you need to do after an accident is to seek medical attention, even if you don’t believe you’re injured. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, and you will also want documentation of any injuries you may have sustained, in case you decide to pursue legal action. After you’ve seen a doctor for medical treatment, your next step should be looking for an experienced personal injury lawyer who can tell you whether or not you’re eligible for compensation as a result of your accident, like these accident attorneys Las Vegas.
Notifying your insurance company should be at the top of your to-do list following an accident. By notifying your insurance company, you allow them to begin investigating the accident and start working on resolving any claims that may be filed. Additionally, if you do not notify your insurance company and later decide to file a claim, your insurance company may deny coverage based on the fact that you did not report the accident timely. Don’t accept any settlement offers from your insurance company without speaking to a lawyer first.
You don’t just need to seek attention for your physical health after an accident, you should see a therapist too. Car accident victims have an elevated risk of developing mental health conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder, which require treatment to manage. If you notice any symptoms of a mental health condition, talk to a therapist as soon as possible.
Why do you need to talk to an attorney right away?
It’s necessary to discuss your personal injury claim with a lawyer right away, as there is likely to be a statute of limitations that is applicable to your case. A statute of limitations is a law that sets a time limit on how long a person has to file a lawsuit. The time limit varies depending on the type of lawsuit that it is, but the time period is usually a year or two after the date of the incident. There are some exceptions to statutes of limitations. For example, the time limit may be extended if the defendant fraudulently concealed the wrongdoing.
You should know most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. A contingency fee is a type of fee arrangement where personal injury attorneys are not paid unless they win the case. Their fee is earned as a percentage of the final judgment or settlement they are able to obtain. Working on a contingency fee basis can also be beneficial for clients because it allows them to seek legal assistance without having to worry about upfront costs. It also enables lawyers to take on cases that may not be profitable otherwise.
As you can see, there are several things you need to do after being in an accident, including seeking medical attention, talking to a lawyer, and notifying your insurance company. Time is of the essence, as your injuries may require immediate treatment and you only have a limited amount of time to file a personal injury claim. The good news is that it’s easier than you might think to get the legal assistance that you need in order to win your case. Follow the advice in this article and you’ll be able to get on the road to recovery and obtain any compensation that you’re owed after your accident.