What to Do After a Car Accident
Advice from Experienced Tuscaloosa Auto Accident Attorneys
It is unfortunate, but motor vehicle accidents are a way of life. In fact, each year about 6.5 million automobile crashes occur in the United States. Almost one-third of these accidents result in injury and more than 40,000 end in death.
After an accident, you are most likely in shock and not thinking strategically. Regardless, what you do afterward can strongly influence the amount of compensation you receive and your level of protection.
Some Important Tips
According to the Tuscaloosa auto accident lawyers at Junkin, Pearson, Harrison, Junkin & Pate L.L.C., the following tips will come in handy the next time you are in a motor vehicle accident:
- Get medical help. Seek medical attention as soon as you notice any injuries. Often times, people do not feel the affects of an injury until hours or even days after an accident. Also, medical documentation of your injuries can be a key component of your case.
- Take notes. Keep your auto insurance information in the glove compartment, which should also contain a pen and blank sheets of paper for the purpose of jotting down specific details of the accident, along with a sketch of the scene.
- Photograph the accident scene. Tuscaloosa automobile accident attorneys recommend that you carry a cell phone, as well as a disposable camera to take photos of the vehicles at the scene.
- Share contact information. Exchange names, addresses, phone numbers, insurance companies, policy numbers, driver license numbers and license plate numbers with the driver and the owner of each vehicle involved in the accident.
- Gather witness information. The Tuscaloosa car accident attorneys at Junkin, Pearson, Harrison, Junkin & Pate L.L.C. state that you should always obtain the names, addresses and telephone numbers of any potential witnesses. The only way to ensure you are adequately compensated for your injuries is to prove that you were not at fault. Witnesses greatly improve the chances of proving your case.
- File an accident report. This is available at police stations and often on the Department of Motor Vehicles web site. A police report often helps insurance companies speed up the claims process.
- Never accept the first settlement offer. And most importantly, do not accept settlement offers from any insurance company before talking to an experienced auto accident attorney in Tuscaloosa.
Contact Us
The automobile accident attorneys in Tuscaloosa at Junkin, Pearson, Harrison, Junkin & Pate L.L.C. invite you to contact them today for a private consultation at their toll free number 888-309-5521, or e-mail us for a prompt response.
