Seattle is an excellent city for dining, living, and enjoying yourself. Being one of the most lively, jam-packed cities and full of tourists in the downtown area, car accidents are bound to happen. Maybe you will only suffer a small ding in the back or front of your car.
Or maybe your vehicle will be totaled, and you will have a broken leg and a giant hole in your heart because the amazing car that you had for years is now gone. But the worst part is that you will speak to a Seattle car accident lawyer as soon as possible.
Well, after an accident, you will thank the world you have survived because you are now in for a battle with the government agencies.
Immediate Steps to Take
First of all, after an accident, you will need to make sure everyone is okay. If possible, get somewhere safe and dial the police so that everyone can receive the care they need.
Taking pictures is one of the important steps in documenting the accident. Take photographs of every vehicle, any injuries, and the general site of the accident. This is the type of information that can be strong evidence to effectively defend your case.
If anyone saw what happened, get their personal information. Sworn testimony of the accident site from others is great evidence.
Why You Need to Document Everything?
The details matter. So write down everything you remember after the accident happens. What time was it? What was the weather like? What did you do immediately before getting hit?
That way, you know where you were, what was happening, and what you were thinking. Because you never know when you may need to give your version of events.
The Role of Insurance Companies
Call Your Insurer ASAP: Don’t put off calling your insurer to report the accident. Give them the information they need, but be careful what you say. Insurance adjusters follow a protocol to trip you up so they can pay the smallest claim possible.
Enlist the help of a Seattle car accident lawyer and have them communicate with your insurance. You can recover, negotiate a just amount, and gather evidence while they communicate with adjusters.
Medical Attention is Crucial
See a doctor! You may feel just fine after an auto accident, but serious injuries — with symptoms appearing weeks or months after the crash — can be lurking. Whiplash, concussions, and other internal injuries are hard to spot and can worsen if left without treatment.
Your health is a priority. Let your doctor examine you and create a written report – you’ll need it for your claim. Additionally, insurer-approved evidence helps build the case and establish what happened.
Navigating the Legal Process
Filing the necessary amount of claims and court dates can be daunting. Let our Seattle car accident lawyer help you through it. They can help you understand what needs to be done and when so you don’t miss anything.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Don’t post about the accident anywhere; the insurance company and other parties will use this as ammunition against you. Your attorney should be the only one you discuss the accident with. Don’t take the first settlement without your attorney (this is generally not the best you could get).
A car accident happens in less than a second, but the aftermath can be deadly. A Seattle car accident lawyer can be the angel you need in your life and can guarantee that you get the justice and the compensatory damages you deserve.