Motor Vehicle Accidents
A car accident happens fast, but the consequences can linger. Right after a crash, prioritize safety: check for injuries, call 911, and move your vehicle only if safe. Document everything—photos, info from others involved, and get a police report (don’t just exchange information and leave). That police report is a crucial record and can be crucial later.
Injuries aren’t always obvious at first, so get a medical evaluation even if you feel fine. ERs treat emergencies but often miss injuries that show up days later. Legal evaluation is also important—an attorney can explain your rights and assess if you have a case. Proving fault and damages requires careful fact-gathering, especially in slip-and-fall or injury situations. A personal injury attorney can guide you through this process and help preserve your ability to make a claim.
Once you hire a personal injury attorney, the first step is to get proper medical treatment. Every accident affects people differently, and some injuries take time to show. Don’t rely only on the ER—see a provider who focuses on long-term recovery.
After treatment, your attorney will prepare and send a formal demand to the insurance company. While the claim is technically against the other driver, their insurance pays—and they often try to minimize payouts. Your attorney deals with them, handles paperwork, and makes sure nothing is missed.
Next comes negotiation. Most cases are settled out of court at this stage. A good lawyer will fight to get you compensation for:
- Medical bills (past and future)
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Any long-term effects
In short: You heal, and your attorney takes care of the rest—especially if you hire the right one.