According to Driver Knowledge, there are roughly 6 million car accidents every year in the U.S., and roughly 3 million people suffer injuries from these accidents. If you’re injured in a car accident that wasn’t your fault, you could be stuck with medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and other financial losses. But, did you know you have the right to seek compensation for every loss you suffered? Our team has broken down the steps to take following a car accident injury in Baton Rouge, so you have the knowledge to do just that. Let’s get started.
1. Get a Police Report
As soon as you and your vehicle are safe from oncoming traffic, call the local authorities. It’s critical that you have a police report filed, as this will be a helpful piece of evidence for your car accident lawyer and the insurance adjuster when determining the amount of compensation you may be entitled to.
2. Collect Evidence at the Scene
If everyone involved in the crash is safe, exchange information with the other driver. Be sure to get their name, insurance information, and their phone number.
You should also gather contact information from witnesses, the police officers’ names and phone numbers, and the police report number. Be sure to take photos at the scene of the location, including the position of the vehicles, damage to both vehicles, and both license plates. If possible, take notes of your recollection of what happened since details fade with time. Your memory of specifics may not be as accurate. The more evidence you can gather, the stronger your case will be.
3. Seek Medical Attention
If you’ve been severely injured, you’re likely to be sent to the hospital right away. If you don’t feel injured but are shaken from the crash, it’s still a good idea to seek medical attention. Some injuries don’t show up for a few hours, days, or weeks, and some common car accident injuries have delayed symptoms.
With delayed symptoms, you may end up with more severe injuries — and expenses — than you initially thought. Without documentation of your injury and its connection to the accident, you’re less likely to get full compensation for your expenses. That’s why it’s so important to go to the hospital and get any necessary testing and exams done, along with an evaluation from a doctor.
4. Monitor Symptoms and Follow Up
After you have received your initial medical evaluation, it’s important to monitor any new or worsening symptoms. Not only for your health and well-being, but to ensure the best chance of receiving full compensation. In addition to following up with your medical practitioner, you’ll want to contact your insurance company. Even if it wasn’t your fault, they need to know you were involved in a car accident. Be sure to only state facts and avoid saying things that may shift responsibility, such as “sorry” or expressing that you’re not sure who caused the accident. If you intend to hire a car accident attorney, give the insurance company the most basic information and avoid recorded statements.
Let Us Go to Bat for you!
If you’ve been hurt in an accident that was caused by someone else’s recklessness, you have rights. Take these steps following a car accident, then call us for the help you need in seeking the compensation you deserve. Our team at Gauthier Amedee has extensive experience handling car accident injury claims and will go to bat for the compensation you’re entitled to for your losses. Call 225-647-1700 or fill out the online form to get your free case review.
