Traffic crashes are a common occurrence on the nation’s roads and highways. According to figures from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), an estimated 20,175 people in the U.S. lost their lives in motor vehicle traffic crashes in 2022.
In many cases, motor vehicle accidents are not fatal, yet those involved sustain injuries and losses which can affect their lives in significant ways. Their injuries may leave them unable to work and result in ongoing the need for costly and ongoing medical treatments which can be financially burdensome.
When an accident occurs due to the negligence of another party, they may be able to receive compensation for damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage by filing a personal injury claim. In this article, we will outline some important steps claimants should follow when pursuing a personal injury claim in the aftermath of a car accident.
Collect Evidence
Since evidence is key to building a strong personal injury claim, claimants should gather as much evidence as they can to support their claim. This includes matters such as police reports, statements from eye witnesses, and dash cam or traffic camera footage capturing the accident itself.
Medical evidence serves as strong, subjective evidence to support a personal injury claim
so it is advisable to seek medical attention following a car accident and obtain any medical notes or records to document the extent of the injuries sustained. Pay stubs or salary statements can also serve as valuable evidence to demonstrate loss of income as a result of an accident.
Seek Legal Support
Claimants can also advance their claims by seeking advice from an experienced personal injury lawyer. These legal experts can often offer free case consultations where they can review the merits of a claim and assess the potential damages that a claimant may receive in compensation.
They can also help in gathering evidence and expert testimony to strengthen the claimant’s case as well as represent them by negotiating a fair settlement with the other party's lawyers or insurance company. Some lawyers also specialize in specific areas of car accident personal injury such as Sadaka Law who can assist claimants who have been involved in rideshare accidents.
Stay Off Social Media
It is natural for people to share details of their experience with friends and family in the aftermath of a car accident. While it can be tempting to share this information online, claimants should refrain from doing so on such a public platform.
The other party’s legal team or insurers may conduct a social media search to gather evidence which could undermine your case. For instance, any comments or photos posted may be viewed as contradictory to the claims made or injuries sustained, leading the other party to challenge your credibility or argue that your injuries are not as severe as stated. This could potentially reduce or even negate the amount of compensation you receive.
By following these tips, claimants can greatly increase their chances of receiving the compensation they deserve following a car accident.
