A car accident can provoke much confusion and uncertainty. Not only is the injury itself painful and disorienting, you may be confused about your next steps. Even if the other driver was clearly to blame for the accident, and for your injury, that fact alone doesn’t necessarily guarantee compensation.
The other driver’s insurer will do everything they can to challenge your case. That’s a given. For that reason, and others, it’s critical to work with an experienced car accident lawyer Memphis trusts.
Common Challenges to Expect in a Car Accident Case
Insurance companies make money by paying as little as possible, or even nothing, on claims. An experienced car accident lawyer Memphis has turned to knows the insurers’ favorite strategies.
Personal injury cases involving motor vehicles must prove negligence. The insurance companies will challenge the breach, causation, proximate cause, and damages. It is not uncommon for insurance companies to even challenge the nature and extent of the damages themselves. They may also attempt to shift the blame onto the victim in a defense strategy known as comparative negligence.
Your attorney will need the experience to push back on these strategies. However, your actions also play a role. There are things you can do to help your case. Here’s what to do in the aftermath of a car accident to protect your best interests.
1. Seek medical treatment.
If there’s even a remote possibility that you are injured, it’s crucial to seek medical treatment right away. Not only is this vital for your health, it’s the first step in the documentation you need to win your case. Your doctor can document your injuries and the accident’s role in causing them. The success of your claim depends upon a documented link between the accident and your injury.
Provide your attorney with all your medical records, including admissions records, doctors’ notes, X-rays, CAT scans, MRIs, bills, prescription bottles, and any relevant receipts.
2. Collect evidence on the day of the accident.
Collecting evidence at the scene of your accident will better set you up for success. Remember that evidence isn’t permanent; after you leave the area, any relevant evidence will likely be cleaned up or adjusted in some way. Act quickly.
Here’s my advice for gathering your evidence.
- Take notes about your immediate observations. Include which factors you suspect could have contributed to the collision.
- Document important details, including the date, time, and location of the accident.
- Write down weather and road conditions.
- Ask nearby witnesses what they observed. Take their contact information.
- Look for nearby traffic or security cameras and let your attorney know so he or she can attempt to secure the footage.
- Take pictures of the accident and any relevant factors—like roadway debris and traffic signs in the surrounding area—from your smartphone.
Accidents are overwhelming. It’s easy to forget key details. Take note of as much as possible right away.
3. Notify the police.
Failing to contact police is one of the most common mistakes people make after an accident. Once you’ve made sure that everyone in the accident is safe, and your car is out of the way, contact the police. It’s critical to file a report, which will include the responding officer’s notes about your accident.
Talk to a car accident lawyer Memphis trusts
If you have questions or concerns about a car accident, our lawyers are here for you as a resource for legal guidance. Give us a call at (901) 327-2100 to discuss your options and next steps.