Car accidents are extremely common in Alabama and across the United States. Anytime you get on the road, you could be involved in a car crash. If you were injured in a wreck due to someone else’s negligence, you could be entitled to pursue compensation for medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering, property damage, and more with the help of a car accident lawyer from Morris, King, & Hodge, P.C.
You should take a number of steps after the accident to protect yourself and your ability to pursue an accident claim. If you don’t safeguard your rights, you might not be able to obtain financial compensation and could face significant out-of-pocket expenses as a result.
Ways to Protect Yourself Financially After an Accident
Here are some of the most important things you should do to protect yourself financially if you’ve been injured in an accident:
- Seek assistance with hospital bills. If you don’t have health insurance, you should contact the medical facility where you are being treated right away or ask your attorney to do so on your behalf. You might be able to work out a payment plan with the hospital or physician’s office. You can avoid unpaid bills and debt collection by communicating with your healthcare providers.
- Communicate with the insurance company. It may take time for the insurance company to process your claim. Sometimes insurance companies will even deliberately delay your claim, hoping to run out the clock on the statute of limitations, the period you have to file a lawsuit. Your attorney can put pressure on the insurance company by checking in on the status of your claim at regular intervals.
- Ask for help. If you suffered a severe injury, it might be challenging to keep track of the documentation and your medical bills. Don’t be afraid to ask a trusted friend or family member to help you organize your documents and ensure you make your payments on time.
- Don’t rush into a settlement agreement. Insurance companies will sometimes offer you a quick, lowball settlement to get your case off their books, especially if they think you have a strong case. However, this amount is rarely generous. Do not sign any settlement agreements before speaking with an attorney.
Following these tips can help you avoid crushing medical debt and may increase your chances of securing the compensation you need to get your life back on track.
What to Do After an Accident
If you were injured in an accident, consider taking these proactive steps in the immediate aftermath:
- Call 911 to alert the proper authorities. Police officers will attend the scene and draft an official accident report containing pertinent details regarding the accident, such as the other driver’s information, witness contact details, descriptions of your injuries and the damage to each vehicle, and more.
- Seek medical attention. You should be evaluated by a medical professional as soon as possible after the accident. A physician can detect injuries you may not even know you have.
- Collect evidence. If you can, take photos and videos of your injuries, vehicle damage, debris, and the accident scene. You should also speak to any nearby witnesses who may have seen the accident occur and ask for their contact information.
- Gather documents. Gather all documentation related to the accident, including medical records, the accident report, hospital bills, evidence of missed work, and more.
- Keep a journal. Keep a daily journal to document your physical pain and psychological condition. That will help your attorney calculate your non-financial losses for pain and suffering.
- Consult with a seasoned personal injury attorney as soon as possible. If you try to navigate the claims process alone, you might end up with a lower settlement than you deserve.
Talk to Our Experienced Huntsville Personal Injury Attorneys Today
Contact the Huntsville personal injury attorneys at Morris, King & Hodge, P.C., today to discuss your case and learn more about how to protect yourself financially after a car accident. We offer a free consultation to review your legal options.
