Personal Injury Compensation After An Accident

Though we never want them to, accidents happen. By taking the right steps after an accident takes place, you can increase the likelihood that you will be compensated for your damages, and get the most out of your injury claim.

The first step you should make when you are involved in a collision is to call the police. It’s important to get an official police report that details the events of the accident. Even if the accident is minor, the insurance companies will want a police report to begin the process.

Never admit to being at fault when an accident occurs. Let the officer on the scene give his opinion of who was at fault in the police report. This documentation may help you in your effort to properly settle the claim with the insurance company.

Keep detailed documents of your own pertaining to the accident as well. Some insurance companies make special accident report forms that you can keep in your car to have on hand in the event an accident happens. Any expenses that you experience as a result of the accident, whether for your car or your person, should also be documented and submitted to the insurance company.

Don’t rely on the other party to handle everything the way that it should be. Reach out to their insurance company. You may wish to contact them to provide just the basic information, that includes your name, the date and location of the accident and that you were injured. Of course, it would be unwise to provide too much information without understanding all the significant issues involved. Too often, innocent accident victims answer too many insurance company questions before they understand the “why” behind them. That can lead to difficulties during the claim process.

Of course, in any complex scenario, or a multiple driver collision, it’s best to hire an experienced personal injury attorney right from the start. A lawyer may well be able to obtain greater compensation for you, even after their fees have been processed.

Source: DMV