You’ve been in an auto accident and you’re not at fault. Now, you’re wondering how to build a strong car accident case to ensure your damages and injuries are covered.
Unfortunately, this can be easier said than done.
Proving fault in car accident cases is complex, and the process can be long, tiring, and challenging.
The good news is that you’re not in it alone.
In this blog, we’ll share our top tips for building a strong car accident case when the collision wasn’t your fault and how a Pensacola personal injury attorney can help.
Let’s dive in.
What to do After an Accident
How you respond in the immediate aftermath of an auto accident can make a difference in the outcome of your case.
Here’s what to do after a car accident:
1. Call the police
First and foremost, contact the police. Even if the accident seemed minor and there were no obvious injuries, call 911.
There are a few reasons for this:
First, the police will provide a written accident report. You’ll need this accident report to file an insurance claim later. Second, the police will take the information of everyone involved in the auto accident. This is critical for building a car accident case and getting witness statements.
2. See a doctor
Even if you didn’t go to the hospital after the auto accident, you should make an appointment with your primary care provider immediately after the collision.
Some injuries take days or weeks to appear after an auto accident, and it’s easy to miss the signs until it’s too late and you’ve already accepted an insurance payout.
Visiting a doctor immediately after your accident helps identify hidden injuries and ensures you get the medical attention and compensation you need to heal.
3. Hire an attorney
Finally, hire a personal injury attorney to help you navigate your car accident case.
Here are a few reasons this matters:
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Proving fault can be difficult in a car accident case. An attorney can help protect your rights and also prove that the accident wasn’t your fault.
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Additionally, insurance companies are notorious for offering low settlements. A lawyer will be able to identify lowball offers and advocate for fair, timely payouts.
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If your case goes to court, a Pensacola lawyer will represent you.
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You’ll also need time to heal after a car accident. Hiring an attorney allows you to hand the details of your case to a professional while you focus on getting better.
In addition to the above, hiring an accident attorney provides peace of mind. The legal system is complex, and small mistakes can become significant issues.
Even if the accident wasn’t your fault, missing details or failing to file specific paperwork can be disastrous for your case. Working with an accident attorney ensures you avoid preventable mistakes and helps your case move faster.
If your case ultimately goes to court, an attorney will make the process easier and less stressful for you and your family.
Building Your Car Accident Case Even When You’re Not At Fault
There are no one-size-fits-all rules for building a car accident case. Different states have different regulations regarding car accident cases and how easy (or difficult) they make it to file claims.
Because of that, we strongly recommend hiring a personal injury attorney to help you through this process.
In the meantime, here are a few general guidelines to help you build your case:
Get a copy of the police report
We already discussed why reporting the accident is so important. Now it’s time to reap the benefits of your decision and obtain a copy of the police report.
This report provides proof of the accident and contains essential details needed to support your lack of fault.
Compile documents related to the accident
In addition to the accident report, compile other documents that support your case.
These could include photos you took at the accident site and medical records pertaining to injuries sustained during the accident.
In addition, you should get written witness statements (your attorney can help procure these) to add to your case file.
Continue seeking medical attention
If you were injured during the accident, keep seeking medical attention. If your injuries are extensive or chronic, get your doctor involved in your case.
Request a complete treatment plan from your doctor, including estimated costs of treatment. This is critical to ensure you receive a fair payout.
After all, you don’t want to accept a lowball insurance settlement that won’t cover your ongoing medical expenses.
A complete treatment write-up from your doctor will allow you to advocate for the settlement you need and also ensure you don’t get stuck paying medical costs out of pocket.
Keep a paper trail
Keep copies of everything as you submit insurance claims or receive new medical diagnoses related to the accident. The more extensive your paper trail, the more substantial your body of proof.
Make a note of who you speak to and when
As you contact insurance companies and others involved in your case, keep a written call log.
Document who you contacted, when, how long the call lasted, and also the conversation’s main points. This is a great way to back yourself up and avoid misunderstandings or exploitation down the road.
Ward & Barnes: Here to Help You Build Your Car Accident Case
If you were involved in an auto accident that was not your fault, you deserve compassionate, aggressive representation. After all, nobody wants to be injured or to experience a car accident that interrupts their life.
Here at Ward & Barnes, we specialize in working with car accident victims throughout the Pensacola area. Our team of personal injury attorneys will learn every detail of your auto accident and help you build the strongest possible car accident case.
Don’t struggle through the aftermath of an auto accident or injury alone – let our team handle the details of your legal case so you can focus on healing.
Contact us today to learn more about our team or how we can help you.