The Barnes Firm Presents Tips for When You Have an Accident
Tom Gregory
When you’re behind the wheel, accidents can happen. And knowing what to do is crucial.
Christian Oliver, ESQ.
People often ask, “when should I call a lawyer after a car crash?” If you’re injured, then you should call 911 and seek medical attention right away. Then, assuming the crash wasn’t your fault, you should call a lawyer as soon as it’s safe to do so.
There are several reasons why. First, it ensures that your legal rights are being protected while you focus on your health. Second, getting an investigation started immediately can be vitally important since the physical evidence at the crash scene, surveillance video or witnesses may not be around for long. Third, insurance companies may not have your best interests in mind and may try to take advantage of the situation knowing that you are not yet represented.
They may try to take recorded statements or make lowball offers. Put it this way Calling a lawyer is free. The cost of not doing so could be quite expensive.
Tom Gregory
The right car insurance can help protect you and your family and understanding your coverage is essential.
Christian Oliver, ESQ.
This is the number one advice I give to my friends and family. Get the most, UM, uninsured motorist, UIM, underinsured motorist, coverage that you can. Here’s what happens all the time after a car crash. You have a ton of medical bills. You’re out of work and don’t know what the long-term effects of what your injuries will be.
Then you find out that the driver who caused the car crash only has $15,000 in insurance. And you say, Good thing I’m fully insured. You have good liability collision med pay, but only 15,000 in the UM/UIM. In that scenario you and your family are not covered by your insurance at all. And you will be limited to only $15,000 in defendant’s available coverage.
The premiums for, UM and UIM are not expensive. So do yourself a favor. Check what your, UM/UIM policy amounts are and make sure at a minimum they’re the same as your liability coverage.
Tom Gregory
When you’re behind the wheel, accidents can happen. And knowing what to do is crucial.
Christian Oliver, ESQ.
Most people never expect to get into a crash or trip over a hazard and fall. And they certainly don’t expect that it could lead to life-altering injuries. Most of us assume it’s just an ache. It’ll go away. I’ll be fine. And luckily, usually they are right.
But unfortunately, some injuries aren’t obvious, and the adrenaline of the incident may mask the seriousness of your condition. Plus, when the injury is due to someone else’s negligence, then you will have to prove that your injuries are from that incident and not something else. So not only is it important for your health to get checked out, to rule out that anything is serious or even potentially life-threatening, it’s also important to document your injuries as closely to the event as possible and a medical record.
Otherwise, the insurance company will try to use that gap in treatment as proof that your injury is not related to the incident.
