- June 28, 2024
The days and weeks following a car accident can be stressful and overwhelming. While recovering from injuries, dealing with insurance companies, and handling medical bills may seem like full-time jobs in themselves, it’s important not to forget that you deserve compensation for your losses. Maximizing your payout from insurance companies requires knowledge, organization, and the help of a Greenville car accident lawyer.
Documenting the Scene of the Accident
Once the dust has settled after an accident, it’s time to start gathering evidence. The more information you have, the better equipped your Greenville car accident lawyer will be to build a strong case for you.
Snap photos of the vehicles involved, including license plate numbers. Get shots of the surrounding area, including any skid marks or debris. If possible, photograph the other driver and passengers as well. These images can provide crucial details about factors that contributed to the crash.
Seeking Prompt Medical Attention After a Car Crash
One of the most important things you can do after an accident is to get properly evaluated by a doctor. Even if you feel fine at first, injuries like whiplash or head trauma can take time to manifest. Seeking medical attention immediately following your crash will provide documentation for insurance claims down the road.
Ask the doctor to evaluate and document any injuries you sustained thoroughly. Take pictures of any visible injuries like bruises, cuts, or swelling. Get copies of all medical reports, test results, and bills, as these will be important evidence for negotiating a fair settlement.
Notifying Your Insurance Company
One of the first things you should do after a car accident is contact your insurance company to report the incident. Even if the other driver was clearly at fault, you must report the accident to your insurance provider as soon as possible.
Provide the details of the accident, including time, location, vehicles involved, and the contact information of the other driver(s). Your insurance company will open a claim file and may send an adjuster to examine the vehicles involved.
Negotiate from a Position of Strength
Insurance companies want to settle claims quickly and for as little money as possible. Don’t accept their initial offer without first consulting an attorney. They can determine if the amount offered is fair given the details of your situation.
If not, they will negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf to obtain a higher settlement. They are skilled negotiators and won’t be intimidated by adjusters’ tactics. With the help of a car accident lawyer, you’ll be in a much better position to get the maximum payout for your claim.
Proving Liability and Damages
More often than not, liability in a car accident comes down to negligence. You’ll need to show that the other driver acted carelessly and failed to exercise reasonable caution. Things like speeding, distracted driving, drunk driving, or ignoring traffic signs/signals are all examples of negligent behavior that could establish liability.
Police and eyewitness reports of the accident, photos and videos from the scene, and testimony from those involved can all help prove the other driver was liable. Your Greenville car accident lawyer will gather this evidence and use it to build a strong case for liability.
Consulting an Experienced Greenville Car Accident Lawyer
If you have been injured in a car accident, one of the most important things you can do to protect your rights is to speak with an experienced car accident lawyer. At Brumback & Langley, our attorneys have decades of experience fighting for the rights of personal injury victims in Greenville and surrounding areas.
Don’t go through this difficult time alone. Call us today at (864) 310-7897 for a free consultation with an experienced Greenville car accident lawyer.
