Car accident injuries cause short- and long-term inconveniences. And even though you want to move on as soon as possible, sometimes a quick settlement won’t benefit you in the long run.
As you prepare to file a personal injury claim after a car accident, you should be mindful of the importance of a paper trail and patience. Taking measures to preserve your health is a big part of your recovery too.
Collect your receipts
Starting from the scene of the accident, you should begin to collect evidence of the crash if you plan to seek compensation. This includes gathering contact information from the other party and witnesses at the scene and taking photos of the damage done to your car.
You should also contact law enforcement immediately. State law require Florida citizens to report crashes when injury occurs. Plus, the police report can also help provide details about the incident for insurance, lawyers or a judge to consider.
Seek medical attention
After experiencing car accident injuries, going to see a doctor should be at the top of your list. It will be hard to gain compensation for medical expenses if you have no record of seeing physicians or therapists. Scheduling follow-up appointments days and weeks after your accident is also important. A medical professional can help make sure you are healing and determine if any new physical or emotional pain might have set in - both of which warrant damages.
Don’t be quick to settle
Insurance adjusters may offer a settlement that doesn’t fully take care of all your medical expenses or lost wages due to injury. Even though a claims adjuster might offer you a quicker settlement than a formal lawsuit, they typically offer the lowest amount possible. This is because the adjusters work for the insurance company and not you.
Instead of letting insurance companies take advantage of you, especially after a painful injury, teaming with a personal injury attorney can help you receive the compensation you deserve.