Accidents can occur on the road at any given time of the day, usually due to the negligence of one of the parties involved. What many people do not understand, is that instead of fighting and creating scenes at the sight of the accident, a lot more can be done if they remain silent, and be more focused on getting to the doctor if needed. This will assist them in obtaining damages that encompass all of their losses.
When a person faces serious injuries in such accidents, they are eligible to file claims against the negligent party, for their bodily and economic injuries. This claim is made against the negligent party’s insurance company. However, these cases are quite versatile in nature and there is no set precedent that can be used to reach an outcome in every case. Each case has a different factual matrix involved and these factors will influence the outcome of the case.
A vehicle accident claim is determined by taking the relevant statutes and legislation of the relevant state in which the accident occurred. Then one must look at the total property damage, special damages and general damages. Special damages include the total medical bills, while general damages are including, but not limited to, pain and suffering and loss of earnings.
All of the internal and external factors are also taken into consideration when the insurance company is assessing the monetary damages that will be awarded to the claimant. This is why it is imperative that every driver considers the following steps after getting into a vehicle accident:
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Ensure that All Parties Are Fine
When an accident occurs, there’s always a lot of chaos around the site. A lot of people tend to forget about everything else and it is alright because they are in a state of shock, with their adrenaline pumping. However, the first thing that should be done is to ensure that you remain out of harm’s way and either stay in your car, or get away from traffic. Depending on the depth of the damages that have occurred, call an ambulance.
Contact the Police
In the immediate aftermath of an accident, it is crucial that you contact the local authorities as a police report will be very helpful when making an insurance claim against the negligent party’s insurance company. Also, having the police on the sight of the accident will help make sure that the outcome of the case is determined justly and in a timely manner.
Gather Proof
Take as many photographs as possible of the street, nearby traffic signals, license plates and make sure you get all party’s insurance information and driver’s license information. This will serve as evidence, when you do file for a vehicle accident claim. Without legitimate proof readily available, the insurance company’s decision might take much longer, as there might be disputed facts.
Hire an Attorney
It is much better to hire an attorney who has massive experience in such claims, such as Mark Larson who is a partner at Larson, Larson & Dauer. He has a great deal of experience in maximizing the damages received by his clients in order to help them recover the losses substantially. Similarly, opt for an attorney that has a hefty amount of experience at hand and can be trusted.
Moreover, whenever you get into an accident, always ensure to think of your own safety before anything else. Use precautions and have family members on speed dial to ensure that matters can be handled smartly.