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5 Things You Should Know if You Are Involved in a Car Accident

No one wants to be involved in a car accident yet many people will at some point in their lives. If you find yourself in this situation then we hope you will take the following five tips to heart. Remember that the right personal injury attorney is essential if you have been injured. You can request a free legal consultation from The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker by calling us at 800-333-0000.

  1. Get Medical Attention Right Away
  2. If you are seriously injured then you should allow paramedics to treat you and take you to the hospital if they suggest it. If your injuries are not as serious, then you should still see your physician as soon as possible after the accident. It is entirely possible that what seems like a minor neck injury could be whiplash. When you see your doctor, tell them exactly what happened and talk to them about all of your symptoms, even if it does not seem related. The more information they have, the better able they will be to help you.

  3. Insist That the Police File an Accident Report
  4. In some cases, the highway patrol, sheriff, or other law enforcement may tell you that if no one needed an ambulance, there is no need for a police report. If there is any injury at all, and / or if there is property damage of at least $950 then a police report should be filed.

  5. Gather Contact Information
  6. It is up to you to gather contact information from everyone involved in the case. That includes the other drivers, any witnesses, and any passengers. You should get their name and phone number. The other driver should also provide their insurance information as well as their driver’s license number. While the police should gather some or most of this information for their report, do not assume that they will or that you will have access to it.

  7. Take Pictures
  8. If you and everyone else is safe at the scene, get out your phone and take pictures of the scene, the vehicles, and any injuries. Take pictures of anything else that may relevant, such as weather or road conditions. These photos could be instrumental in winning your personal injury claim.

  9. Talk to an Attorney Before You Sign Anything
  10. What do you do if the at-fault party’s insurance company comes to you and offers to make a settlement right away? You may assume that this makes the process simple but you should instead assume that they know they have a losing case. The only reason they want to settle quickly is because they do not want you to get the full settlement amount.

You do not have to communicate with the insurance adjuster. You do not have to give them your social security number. You do not have to record a statement for them. These are all things they are likely to ask for, but if they do then that is your queue to contact The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000 for a free legal consultation.