What You Can Do To Protect Yourself After An Accident
The actions you take after being in an accident have a massive impact on your ability to recover and on the amount of compensation you receive for your injuries. Most people have little experience with serious car accidents. It can be difficult to know what to do after a car wreck to protect your interests.
The Law Office of Chadwick McGrady, P.C., in Grand Junction provides one-on-one personal service and aggressive advocacy for people who have suffered injury in Colorado. Below are a few steps for people to take after an accident.
Remain Safe
The scene of a car accident can be a dangerous place. Other motorists often gawk and rubberneck while driving past the scene. These responses are distractions for the drivers, and additional accidents can occur. It is vital to remain aware of the surroundings at an accident scene.
Check On Passengers
If you are able to move around, it is prudent to check on any passengers in the vehicle. If you or a passenger has suffered an injury, it is important to call for emergency medical attention as soon as possible.
Report The Collision
Call the police to report a serious accident. This may be overlooked if an ambulance is not needed. It is crucial to have a police report after a crash.
Exchange Insurance And Driver Information
Obtaining insurance information and the identities of all drivers involved is important in every motor vehicle accident. If there are other witnesses at the scene, it is a good idea to ask for their names and contact information. Witnesses can be difficult to track down at a later date. When gathering information, it is important to remain safe at the scene.
Take Photos
Most people carry a cellphone. Use your phone to take pictures of the accident scene, the damage to the vehicles and the surroundings to document the immediate aftermath of the wreck.
Avoid Making Statements
It may be tempting to apologize or make other statements after a crash. You should avoid apologizing or admitting guilt in any way. The police investigation, and your attorney, can reveal details that you were unaware of at the time of the accident. Fault is not something that should be assumed at any crash scene. Let the investigation uncover the full details.
Seek Medical Attention
Injury victims often delay or outright decide not to go to the doctor. Many people may have minor aches and pains and write them off as just an inconvenience. Symptoms of serious injuries can be masked in the adrenaline rush after an accident. Other symptoms may be delayed for days or weeks. A medical examination may uncover issues that you did not know were present. As symptoms develop, your doctor can track each symptom. It is also prudent to continue to take photographs of any bruises as they develop in the days after a wreck.
Consult With An Attorney
The insurance companies are businesses and often will not put your interests first. They care more about their bottom line. They look for ways to deny or delay paying claims. They may provide you with a lowball offer to protect their interests – at your expense. Do not provide statements to an insurance adjuster or investigator without first speaking to a lawyer. The best course of action after a serious accident is to consult with an attorney who can help you to protect your rights, while guiding you through the personal injury claims and litigation process.
Each of these steps provides a unique form of protection that you can use for your own benefit, so it is important to do as many of these things as possible.
Act Today To Protect Your Tomorrow
The sooner you contact the Law Office of Chadwick McGrady, P.C., in Grand Junction, the sooner attorney Chadwick can begin developing your case. As an experienced personal injury trial lawyer, Attorney Chadwick McGrady is ready, willing and able to fight for the injured. To arrange a free consultation, send an email or call 970-644-5599 at any time of the day or night.