There are some important factors to remember if you are involved in a motor vehicle accident. It is imperative to remain in continuing contact with your insurance company and it is advisable to contact a car accident lawyer as soon as you possibly can after the accident to deal with any legal aspects and to advise you upon the best route to follow.
Inform the insurance company and the car attorney of all the details of the car accident. At the scene of the accident take the phone numbers, names and addresses of all those travelling in the car with you, the occupants of the other vehicle and any bystanders or homeowners in the area that may have witnessed the accident. Try to talk to as many people as you can that were present. Write down all the information.
Make copies of any photos taken at the scene of the accident or any chalk markings created at the time also. These will be essential to your case. Get a copy of the Police report and give a copy of these to the car attorney also.
Keep detailed accounts of all conversations that you have with the insurance company and the auto crash lawyer. It would be a good idea to keep a file with all documentation required for any upcoming court attendance. This can be copied for your car insurance lawyer also.
Review your car insurance coverage to see what you are entitled to. Send your car insurance lawyer a copy of this also. Keep receipts of all costs related to the accident such as car-hire, surgery or hospital visits, medication. Check with your car insurance lawyer if it is also useful to keep any other costs related to the case such as any purchases and costs you had to make in connection with the pursuing the case, such as meals, travel expenses, parking etc.
Remain honest in your dealings with your auto crash lawyer as any misleading information may render your claim invalid. Let them know all the facts involved in a clear and concise manner.
Don’t make any decisions or put anything in writing to the other party or your car insurance company without first talking to your vehicle accident lawyer. They will have a better understanding and be able to advise you accordingly.
It is wise not to accept the car insurance company’s evaluation of the damage caused to your vehicle, sometimes these can be estimated incorrectly. Again defer all decisions until you have relayed the information to your car accident lawyer.
Even if you are in a poor financial position due to the accident, being out of work or badly injured, do not feel pressured to settle a premature yet inadequate claim as your car attorney will be able to receive the best settlement for you, even if it has to be settled in court. Read all paperwork carefully including the small print on all documents received in relation to the accident.
Keep in mind the time limits imposed by your policy and work within these times. Deal with each issue immediately allowing you and your car accident lawyer adequate time to complete all necessary documentation and demands. Comply with all requirements of both the insurance company and vehicle accident lawyer.