After a car wreck, it is important for you to stay on the scene and contact law enforcement. Take photographs of your vehicle, the at-fault driver’s vehicle, skid marks or debris on the roadway, and of your injuries. When law enforcement arrives, provide a detailed description of the wreck. Insist that law enforcement provide you with the crash report number and a copy of the at-fault driver’s license and vehicle insurance information. If you are experiencing pain in your back or neck, have a headache, orfeel lightheaded or dizzy, you may have sustained a serious injury. In such a case, law enforcement can call emergency medical services, or a friend or family member can drive you to an emergency room or urgent care for observation.

You may start to receive medical bills in the mail from the ambulance, fire department, emergency room, radiology department, and doctors. If unpaid, these bills may go into collections, and debt collectors will start calling.

You may be initially hounded by insurance companies to provide a recorded statement before you have a chance to consult with an attorney. The insurance company may also attempt to settle your claim with you before you even begin treating. Settling a claim with the insurance company is a settlement for all time. You cannot take it back if you later learn from your doctor that you have extensive injuries and require long-term treatment needs.

Insurance companies are businesses and prioritize profits. Their goal is to offer you less than what your injuries are worth. Many insurance companies will seek to deny your claim altogether in the hopes that you give up prior to consulting with an attorney.

To support your claim, it is recommendedto obtain a copy of the crash report and the complete investigation file–including photographs, witness statements, and supplemental reports. If the at-fault driver was arrested for a DUI, you may want to request the criminal court record–including a probable cause statement detailing the drivers blood alcohol content. As you treat, it is also recommended you request a copy of your entire medical record–including doctor’s notes, diagnostic imaging, and referrals. Obtaining this evidence can be costly and time consuming.

The insurance company may continue to undervalue or deny your claim despite your efforts.

If you learn that the at-fault driver was uninsured or underinsured, you may have additional available sources of recovery through your own insurance or a resident relative’s insurance.

These are just some of the difficulties and pitfalls you may experience along the way. You may need a lawyer to assist you through this process so that you can focus on what matters most—the health and wellbeing of you and your family. When you work with our firm, you will find each of our attorneys and staff is approachable, compassionate, professional, and dedicated to achieving the best results possible. We use modern technology to solve real-world problems. We hire the nation’s leading experts and use cutting-edge investigative techniques. We take the time to learn clients’ stories and answer your questions.