February 26, 2020
No one looks forward to experiencing a car crash. The incident can do more than just ruin your day. An accident can leave you with an overwhelming amount of damage to both the vehicle and your body.
When it comes to paying for the resulting damage from a car accident, whether it be to property or person, you may find that the insurance company is dragging its feet. Depending on where you live, you may feel stuck by the laws governing how insurance companies deal with accidents. Before you decide to pass on finding help through the process in the form of an attorney, take a look at some of the actions you should take immediately following a collision, so that you may preserve your rights and set yourself up for getting the money you need to move forward.
Document the Scene
After a crash, the police may or may not respond. Some jurisdictions only have enough personnel to deal with accidents that involve major physical injuries, and as such, you and the other driver may be on your own. Regardless of whether law enforcement responds or not, you should document the scene of the accident. Take photos and video of the way the vehicles look after the incident before moving your cars out of the way, if possible. This gives an investigator a better understanding of how the events unfolded.
Find Witnesses
Third-party witnesses are a hot commodity when it comes to sorting out the facts of a crash. These are individuals who observe the events, either from another vehicle or from another vantage point. They do not know either driver, which makes it unlikely they are for or against one or the other. Some people are reluctant to share their personal information and get involved, so you may have some convincing to do. Ask them to please leave their name and best phone number or email so that they can help you in the event the insurance company doesn’t give you what you are owed.
Get Help
You are able to enlist the help of a car accident lawyer if you choose. These attorneys are well-versed in the way the insurance companies handle car accident claims. You do not have to wait to get an attorney. If you do get representation or are considering it, you must let the respective insurance companies know. Having an attorney changes the approach these companies take when investigating and processing claims. You and the insurance adjuster will want your attorney to be a part of all discussions.
A car accident can change your life in many ways, often for the worse. There is nothing wrong with enlisting the assistance of a car accident lawyer, like a car accident lawyer in Milwaukee, WI, for your well-being.
Thanks to Hickey & Turim Attorneys at Law for their insight into some of the things you should know about filing a lawsuit after a car accident.