The real trauma of a car wreck can be hard to deal with, especially if you were not the one responsible for the mishap. The truth is people get injured and suffer serious losses due to traffic accidents in Seattle all the time. The good news is Washington has a fault-based system, which allows the injured to recover compensation from the accountable party. Consider talking to the lawyers of khaninjurylaw.com to know if you can file an insurance claim or whether you should sue the at-fault driver in court. We have a few essential tips below that can come in handy.
- Report the accident. Don’t leave the scene immediately after the crash, and call the local police. An investigating officer is likely to respond, and when they arrive, share all details you know without pointing fingers. Note down the badge number of the officer and request a copy of the police report.
- Get medical care. Even when you have suffered superficial injuries, you must seek medical care. If there were no emergency responders at the scene, check with your doctor later and follow their advice. You need evidence to prove that you sustained the injuries in a car crash, and without medical evidence, that would be hard to establish.
- Keep things private. Unless you are talking to an injury lawyer, which you should, do not share details with others. People often like to post photos and videos on social media, and insurance companies will look for such info. Except for your attorney and immediate family members, no one needs to know.
- Maintain the records. From the bills related to your medical treatment to other expenses, including lost income, you should maintain a file related to the accident. These small things will come in handy for the lawyer, who will negotiate the claim accordingly. You may also want to keep your recent income details and pay stubs.
- Be honest with the lawyer. Were you reckless, drunk, or driving over the speed limit when the accident happened? Your lawyer needs to know the truth to help you, and it is best that you are honest from day one. Even when you were partly accountable for the mishap, you may recover a settlement, depending on the evidence and circumstances.
Finally, get an attorney on board without delay. Your lawyer needs to swing into action and gather information at the earliest, and they can do more immediately after the accident.
