You may be wondering what to do next if you’ve been injured in a car accident. You may be feeling overwhelmed and unsure of where to turn. The good news is that there is help available, and with the right information, you can make the best decisions for yourself and your family. This article will provide an overview of the personal injury process, from car accidents through to settlement or trial. So read on for everything you need to know about personal injury law.
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Car Accident Data and the Risks
Car accidents are a leading cause of personal injury in the United States. In 2017, there were over six million car crashes, resulting in nearly three million injuries and over 40,000 fatalities. While car accidents can happen to anyone at any time, certain factors increase your risk of being involved in a crash. These include driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, speeding, distracted driving, and rubbernecking. So, this gives you an idea of the magnitude of claims that lawyers are dealing with. It is not nice being one of these statistics but a nice feeling having an experienced personal injury or car accident lawyer on your side when you are fighting for compensation.
Seek Medical Attention First
If you are injured in a car accident, the first thing you should do is seek medical attention. Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s important to have them checked out by a doctor. Some injuries, such as whiplash, may not be immediately obvious but can still be serious. In addition, seeking medical attention right away will help to document your injuries and their effects on your health. This documentation will be significant later if you decide to file a claim for personal injury.
Get the Other Driver’s Information
After you have seen a doctor, you should get the other driver’s information. This includes their name, contact information, insurance details, and license plate number. If there are any witnesses to the accident, you should also get their details too, such as name, address, phone number, and email address. It’s important to have this information in case you should decide to pursue a claim.
File a Police Report
You should also file a police report after the accident. This will document the accident and can be used as evidence if you decide to file a personal injury claim. The police report should include the names and contact information of the drivers and witnesses, as well as a detailed description of the accident.
Contact Your Insurance Company
After you have gathered all of the necessary information, you should contact your insurance company or broker. You will need to file a claim with your insurance company to get coverage for your damages. Your insurance company will then contact the other driver’s insurance company to begin the claims process.
The Claims Process
The next step is the claims process. This is where the insurance companies will determine who is at fault for the accident and how much each party will receive in compensation. The claims process can be lengthy, so it’s important to be patient. You should also keep detailed records of all communication with your insurance company and the other driver’s insurance company. This could all prove important.
Settlement or Trial
Once the claims process is complete, you will either receive a settlement offer or go to trial. If you receive a settlement offer, you can either accept it or reject it. If you reject it, you can negotiate for a higher amount. If you cannot reach an agreement, your case will go to trial.
At trial, a judge or jury will hear evidence from both sides and decide who is liable for the accident and how much compensation each party should receive.
Conclusion
No matter what stage of the process you are in, it’s important to consult with a personal injury lawyer. A lawyer can help you understand your rights and options, and will fight for the best possible outcome in your case.
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