After a serious car accident, knowing what to do and what not to do can be difficult, especially as you deal with the pain of your injury. But one thing you must avoid doing is providing a statement to the insurance provider of the at-fault driver. Insurance companies only want to protect their bottom line. To ensure they don’t take advantage of you and your situation, let an auto accident attorney in Bellevue handle all talks with them.
You must have an attorney representing you while you pursue the negligent driver and their insurer for monetary compensation. Your attorney will thoroughly investigate your case, obtain evidence that proves the negligence of the at-fault driver, and accurately assess your recoverable damages.
What Your Attorney Will Do
Following a car crash, you don’t need to speak with a representative from the insurance company. Your attorney can handle all necessary talks with them including reporting the crash, getting required forms, submitting evidence, and negotiating a reasonable settlement. Your attorney will get a copy of the official police report and speak with any available witnesses. These witnesses can include those who witness the accident and expert witnesses who can be medical experts or industry experts.
Other Things You Must Not Do
The aftermath of the crash can be confusing and painful. And you can be dealing with anxiety in the days that follow. But to ensure a better financial recovery, you must avoid doing some things. These include not posting photos, reels, and comments on social media accounts, not seeking medical attention, not seeking compensation as soon as possible, and signing legal or insurance documents without speaking with a lawyer.
In addition, you must not also try to accept the insurance company’s first settlement offer as this will be way lower than you deserve. Rather, you must wait for your lawyer to review your case. Your attorney will determine a more accurate value of your claim and walk you through the range of compensation options.
What to Do After a Car Accident
After a car accident, file a police report as this will document your accident. Also, you must exchange insurance and contact information with the at-fault driver as well as any witnesses available. This way, your attorney can contact them later for some important information. Focus on recovering from your injuries while your attorney builds a strong case for you. Also, make sure to call an attorney sooner than later. By consulting with your attorney, you can review your case’s merits and know how the compensation process works.