After a car accident, there is so much going on that it can be hard to see the timeline of events. Although every single vehicle accident is unique in and of its own, most auto accidents will follow a basic timeline of event. Here is a basic overview of those events so that you can know what to expect:
The Accident.
It can be extremely frightening to be involved in a vehicle accident, especially if you sustain serious injuries. The steps that you take after the accident are critical to your case if you decide to pursue a lawsuit. Immediately following a collision, you should always stay at the scene. If you're able, check on others involved in the crash. Report the accident to your insurance company as well as the police. Exchange information with other drivers, which the police will usually assist with.
Make sure that you take photos of the entire crash scene if you have a camera, even if it is just your smartphone camera. Write down details regarding the accident so that you can remember what happened, as your memory will begin to fade little by little as each day passes. Speak to witnesses, if possible, and obtain more information regarding the accident. They may have more insight into what happened, as you may not have been able to see everything. Witness recounts may be able to help strengthen your case.
The Insurance Claim.
After the accident, you will have to report to your insurance company. It is important to do this as soon as you can. Depending on your insurance company, you may only have 24 hours to make a claim. Therefore, time is of the essence here. Once you file a report with them, an investigation will be opened up. Depending on the severity of your accident, this could take weeks or possibly even months. After the investigation has concluded, they should offer you compensation for your losses and injuries. Until that happens, make sure to keep records and receipts of all costs related to the accident, including medical treatment and vehicle repairs.
The Settlement or Litigation.
Sadly, not all accident cases are pretty. Sometimes, insurance companies don't want to pay you want you deserve. In some cases, they don't even want to pay you at all. If your claim is denied, you're uninsured or if you are sued, you are likely in for a very lengthy process that involves lawyers. You may be able to settle out of court, but this isn't always possible. Depending on the exact circumstances, trial can take weeks, months or even years. Settlement will be faster, but it isn't always the right path to take. A lawyer can talk over the pros and cons with you to help you determine the best solution in your individual situation.
If you've been involved in a car accident, you can speak to a personal injury attorney in your local area to have your case assessed and receive a more direct timeline for resolution. The most important thing is that you speak to a car accident lawyer and have an experienced advocate by your side fighting for you and protecting your rights every step of the way.
Share11 April 2016
When I was a child, my father was the pastor of a small evangelical church in my hometown. I always enjoyed going to church in order to play with my friends. One of these friends suffered a horrific accident at a local gas station one day. As he was walking towards the entrance to the gas station, he was struck by a vehicle. His leg was seriously injured during the accident. To help with the expenses of recovery, his father hired an accident and personal injury attorney. This professional helped my friend’s father sue the person who struck his son. On this blog, you will discover the advantages of hiring an accident and personal injury attorney after incurring injuries from a devastating accident.