When you’re in a car accident that isn’t your fault, time seems to standstill. You’re injured, in pain, possibly out of work for months and have a long way to go on the way to recovery…not forgetting the emotional and psychological trauma that can affect you and your family. The idea that all this can happen due to the negligence of someone else is both heartbreaking and devastating. So, when you decide to file a personal injury claim, it’s important to keep your cool, find a good car accident lawyer and build as strong a case as possible.
Unsure of where to begin? Read on for some simple steps you need to take now to strengthen your personal injury case.
Seek medical help
Despite how desperate you are to see civil justice for what has happened to you, you need to make your health and your recovery a priority. The road to recovery could be a long one, and you want to start getting back to normal as quickly as possible. In addition, seeking medical help in the aftermath of your incident means that you’ll have a stronger case. Your medical team will assess your injuries, add them all to your medical reports and prescribe treatment including surgery and aftercare. It’s this kind of information that will add value to your claim, especially if you have sky high medical bills and your life is seriously affected by your injuries. Even if you don’t believe you are initially injured, it’s important to seek medical help anyway, as injuries sustained in a car accident might not manifest until 12 hours later. So, get checked out as soon as possible.
Gather information
Were there witnesses to your accident? Passers-by or people who came to your aid? Make sure you get their details and names. Their testimonials will strengthen your case. Don’t worry about contacting them, your lawyer will be able to gather statements on your behalf.
Gather evidence and preserve it
In order to solidify your claim, you need to take photographs and gather as much evidence as possible. Like in most cases, evidence is crucial to the outcome. So taking photographs of the scene, the damage caused to both vehicles and any injuries that you or your passengers have sustained. Not only will this strengthen your case, but it will prevent ant outrageous claims being made to insurance companies. Make sure any evidence you gather is handed to your attorney so it can be preserved and used correctly.
Get a copy of the police report
When the accident occurred, the police most likely attended. They will have taken statements and filed a police report with the relevant details and official documentations of the event. Request a copy of this and entrust it to your attorney.
Get a good attorney
There are possibly thousands of potential personal injury lawyers in your area. So, you need to choose the right one. Choose one that has plenty of experience and a history of success in the courtroom.
