Today’s drivers are distracted; there are no two ways about it. Whether they’re checking how many likes their photo got, fighting with their spouse via text, or simply not paying attention to the task at hand, driving these days is dangerous.
When an accident does occur, we’re traveling at high speeds in huge machines–a recipe for disaster. When this happens, you need to call a Memphis car wreck lawyer ASAP. But why?
When you’re injured in a car wreck, you often find yourself facing massive medical and vehicle repair bills. You might have been so injured that you even missed work and wages! It would seem logical that insurance companies would help you pay for these bills and lost wages, right? Unfortunately, that’s not always the case.
Why hire a Memphis car wreck lawyer?
Insurance companies want to minimize the payouts they give in the event of injury to save money, but what about the people, the victims? Hiring a lawyer to represent you in a car accident settlement can get you the compensation you need to pay your bills, cover your lost wages, and help repair or replace your vehicle. But there are a few things you need to do before seeing a Memphis car wreck lawyer to ensure that you prepare him or her as best you can!
Have you or a loved one been injured in a car wreck?
1. Get Witness Information
When you know you did not cause the accident, it’s critical to take down the contact information of witnesses at the scene. Police may list a witness or two at the scene in your police report, but there might be unreported witnesses with much better information about the collision. If you’re physically able to, ask anyone who might have seen the accident for their name and phone number so you can call them later. Otherwise, you risk losing their eyewitness information for good!
2. Take or obtain photos of the damages
Another crucial part of your evidence, photos of the damage to your car and to your person will help support your case to the insurance company. Sometimes insurance companies will try to downplay the severity of your injuries or lost wages by claiming that the damage to the vehicle “doesn’t look too bad.” However, the bruises that covered your body and the burns from the seatbelt tell a different story! Make sure you have photos of your injuries, as well as photos of any damage to miscellaneous property, like cell phones or laptops that were broken in the crash.
3. Go to the doctor
Too often according to insurance companies, if you were injured, you’d have gone to the doctor, right? Don’t try to “tough it out” in this situation; make sure you visit a doctor promptly so they can assess and make note of your injuries. If you’re injured and an ambulance is offered at the scene, take the ambulance!
Don’t have health insurance? That’s no excuse. An emergency room can survey your injuries, take x-rays, and provide you with any necessary medication. Your auto insurance should pay for these medical bills. If you were a passenger without your own auto insurance policy, you have no excuses, either! The driver’s insurance should pay for your medical care. Don’t skip this step. You’ll regret it if you do.
4. Call a Memphis car wreck lawyer ASAP
The most important step is calling an attorney as soon as possible. Not only will the details of the case be fresh in the minds of the witnesses and you, the victim, but your attorney will be able to counsel you as to what you should and should not say to support your case. If you do find yourself in a hospital, now is the time to call. Your attorney will obtain the police report and begin the investigation without delay.
Our Memphis car wreck lawyers are here to help you get the compensation you need and deserve. We treat our clients with respect – you’re not just a statistic here. If you’ve been in a car wreck, don’t hesitate. Contact us today to speak with a lawyer for free, or call us anytime at 901.327.1212.