Best Lawyer Tips After Your Car Crash

After an auto accident that wasn’t your fault, you may be eligible to file a claim to get compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Because that compensation will likely from an insurance company—whether it’s your own or the other driver’s—it’s important to note that getting paid what you deserve isn’t always an easy process. Insurance companies report big profits every year because they frequently reduce or deny payments to victims like you.

Maximizing your chances of compensation requires keeping a few important things in mind throughout the process, including these best lawyer tips:

• Get contact information from the other driver and witnesses—It’s important to know who else was involved in the crash, especially if they were at fault. Get the name, contact information, and insurance details from the other driver or drivers before leaving the scene. You should also get contract information from any witnesses or bystanders, as they can provide important testimony concerning the crash.
• Be honest about your injuries—Whether you’re talking to the police officer at the scene, paramedics, nurses, doctors, the insurance company, or your lawyer, always be truthful about the severity of your injuries. If your statements conflict with your official medical diagnosis, it could put your claim into jeopardy.
• Get medical treatment right away—Even if you don’t think you were seriously injured, it’s still important to see a doctor as soon as possible. Injuries can worsen over time, and some injuries may be internal and invisible to the naked eye. In addition, getting prompt medical attention helps prove that your injuries are serious and deserve significant compensation.
• Stay off social media—Insurance adjusters are notorious for using every trick in the book to save their employers money. That includes checking up on victims, especially their social media pages. If your status updates, tweets, or pictures reference your claim or show you partaking in activities that might be difficult due to your injuries, they may be used against you by the insurance company.
• Call a lawyer as soon as possible—Tennessee’s statute of limitations for personal injuries, including car accidents, is just one year. That’s among the shortest in the nation. In addition, evidence after crashes can quickly disappear. The sooner you call a lawyer, the more evidence they may be able to collect and the more time they’ll have to build your claim.
• Don’t accept any settlements without talking to a lawyer first—Insurance companies know that victims like you need money right away after crashes. They often take advantage of that and the fact that many victims are in shock by offering settlements immediately after crashes. While that money may come in handy, it’s unlikely to be nearly enough to cover your accident- related expenses. In addition, it may prevent you from seeking additional damages in the future.

Interested in learning more about what to do after a crash, or just need a legal advocate on your side? Matt Hardin Law is here to help. One of our Nashville car accident lawyers will know how to help you in your case and will be considerate and loyal to you and your situation. Contact us today for a free consultation.