Car accidents occur daily, and lots of sustained injuries and death are a result of this. However, no one imagines nor wishes that they’ll be victims. Auto accidents can happen for various reasons such as:
- Drunk driving
- Overspeeding
- Distracted driving
- Beating traffic lights
- Wrong-way driving
- Fatigue
- Bad Weather conditions
With car accidents caused by weather conditions, you may have no one to blame. However, auto accidents are often caused by someone’s carelessness and negligence. Imagine being hurt and seriously bruised because of the careless actions of another.
Serious car accident injuries are expensive. Accident victims are saddled with medical bills for, at the very least, an ambulance ride and an emergency room visit. Many must be hospitalized for several days or weeks. Others may require X-rays, pain medication, surgery, aftercare, and additional doctor visits.
Besides the medical implications, victims suffer other forms of injuries. They are emotionally drained and may become depressed in the process. Others may be unable to work and fend for themselves.
However, with the proper steps, you can get an adequate settlement. Although settlements take time, you can apply for personal injury loans before you receive your due compensation. The question is, do you know how to get money from a car accident? If you don’t, this is how.
How To Get the Most out of a Auto Accident
- Get Medical Help
Don’t ignore getting medical help because you think you are fine and need to get to work. Your treatment and doctor’s report are part of the proof you need to pursue your case. If you are avoiding medical treatment because of bills then that shouldn’t be an issue.
You can request a car accident lawsuit loan from a car accident loan company. And you can stay afloat while pursuing your case. With a car accident loan, you can pay your medical bills and make other expenses before the court case is settled.
The bright side is that your repayment is based on your settlement. If you don’t get any settlement, you make a 0% payment.
In addition, refusing treatment because you need to work and survive will only worsen matters. Irrespective of how mild the injury appears, go to the hospital and seek medical attention. Some symptoms or pain from an accident may not show up immediately.
Also, the gush of adrenaline can numb the pain momentarily. Cases like internal bleeding will not be physically visible, but the consequences can be dangerous. That’s why you must see a doctor and request a complete body checkup. This way, you will know the real state of your body, and you can have proof.
- Don’t Leave the Scene
It is illegal in most states to leave an accident scene. As long as you are involved in the accident, you are expected to remain at the scene and wait for appropriate authorities.
Even if you feel strong, wait for the police and 911 services to arrive. Allow them to conduct a full inspection and investigation. Leave the scene only when you have gotten their approval.
In Pennsylvania, it’s a crime to flee an accident scene or leave halfway through the inspection without providing your details.
If your car is in a risky position but still operable, move it to the side of the road away from oncoming traffic and park properly.
- Get Information about the Scene
Gather information about the scene and the occurrence. Do so without getting in the way of any official present. You are free to gather information on your own at the accident scene. Obtain the contact information of any other drivers or passengers involved in the accident.
This will help to avoid any errors in the official crash report. Take pictures or video recordings with your cell phone from every possible angle of the accident to record exactly what happened.
If someone commits a hit-and-run and you fail to obtain their information, the only compensation you may receive for the accident and your injuries may come from your own auto insurance’s medical benefits coverage and uninsured motorist coverage. That is why It is important that you purchase the best auto insurance in Ontario so that you can be compensated for your losses.
So, as soon as you can safely do so, write down names, addresses, cell numbers, emails, insurance information, and car details.
However, be cautious when gathering information. Do not discuss who is at fault for the accident or admit to having contributed to its cause. Even seemingly harmless statements can be used to reduce the value of a potential legal claim later on.
- Gather All Your Bills
You should aim at getting back every penny you spend as a result of your car accident. You have to provide documents to support your claim in order to receive adequate compensation for the financial costs associated with your car accident and injuries.
The more evidence you provide, the more likely it is that you will receive the full amount of compensation you are entitled to. Keep all medical bills and insurance documentation from the time of your accident forward.
This should include records of ambulance expenses and emergency services, physical examination, hospital treatment, diagnostic testing, medication, and therapy.
All of the expenses detailed in these documents could be considered elements of damages owed to you by the other party at fault. Also, add other expenses related to the accident. If the accident leads to a disability, say you can’t walk, add your expenses for a wheelchair and any other bills.
- Collect Witness Information
Don’t stop at getting information from the accident scene and the parties involved. Look out for witnesses and take their contacts if possible. This will make it easy for you to reach them when necessary.
In addition, get video recordings of the incidents. There may be traffic and security cameras that recorded the accident. Meet the officials in charge and ask for the footage before it gets deleted.
- Don’t Skip Medical Appointments
Try not to miss any hospital visits or appointments. Missing a medical appointment makes it look like you have recovered or that you were never hurt in the first place. This will reduce your chances of getting full compensation.
However, always take note of your visiting days and follow through with lab visits, therapy sessions, and doctor visits. This will give your attorney enough evidence on your recovery journey, and the doctor’s report will also be needed to prove your injury and pain.
- Get Your Attorney’s Approval Before Accepting Settlement
Note that the at-fault party will do anything to get off the hook as quickly as possible. They’ll also want to do so with as little cost as possible. However, if you are made any settlement offer, do well to consult your attorney.
Failure to do so will leave you at a loss. A better offer will be on your table when your lawyer gets involved.
Conclusion
Car accidents are a painful experience and can ruin your life. If you are a victim of a car accident because of someone’s reckless driving, don’t let the matter slide. Get all the evidence that you can and get your lawyer involved.
Avoid leaving the scene immediately, and take the information of the parties involved. Also, look out for eyewitnesses and cameras. Make your case solid by following through with your treatment.
