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Article: What to Do After an Vehicle AccidentWhile it is certainly unpleasant to think of, it's important to know what to do after an accident in which you or a loved ones have been injured. If something like that were indeed to happen, would you be prepared? Would you know how to ensure that you will get the settlement you deserve from an insurance company or responsible party if the accident wasn't your fault? A car accident lawyer can be the key to getting the compensation you deserve for the pain and injuries, as well as the financial losses, you or your loved ones have endured. If you have been involved in a serious car accident, then you should consult with an attorney immediately. Failure to properly notify the insurance company through competent legal counsel may lead to an objection to such a claim on a later date, which could harm your case. Also, there are, in many instances, forms to be filed with insurance companies or entities such as the Department of Public Safety or the local Police Department. The assistance of a lawyer can be invaluable to the proper presentation of these forms. Things to Do: Contact the police. Don't rely on the other person's assurances that they will "take care of it" without involvement of the authorities. If you are hurt (or even just shaken up), then get immediate medical attention at the Emergency Room, from an urgent care center or your family doctor. DON'T WAIT! Contact your insurance company as soon after the accident or injury as possible. Take time to read your insurance policy and understand it. This will help you in determining what coverage your policy allows so as to make the necessary claims. Do your best to get as many details of the accident as possible. This will include taking pictures of the damaged vehicles and any injuries sustained. Also do try to take down the names and numbers of any witnesses to the accident who may later be able to help prove your insurance claim. Make a note of the insurance details of any other person or vehicle involved in the accident. Keep an accurate written account of any conversations and dealings with the insurance officers, agents, police and any other people involved in the claims process. Save receipts and bills for any and all expenses relating to your insurance claim, bills for any repair work on the damaged vehicle, and also any medical costs incurred for the treatment of any injuries that are the result of the accident.  Don't' talk to the other driver's insurance company until you have read our book: The Virginia Car Accident Guide. You can obtain a free copy by visiting www.thevirginiacaraccidentguide.com - it is packed with useful information!)
Things NOT to Do: Don’t admit fault for the accident, rather just "stick to the facts" without expressing any opinion. The ascertaining of liability, or fault, is affected by different circumstances. It is not your job to determine fault, but is the job of the insurance investigators to gather all the necessary facts and evidence and then determine liability. Don’t give anything in writing to any insurance officers, whether your own or the other party’s, if you do not understand any part of your policy or claim. IDEALLY, you should speak with a qualified personal injury attorney before submitting anything in writing to any insurance company. Don’t let any time limits to file your insurance claim run out. All insurance companies require you to file an insurance claim within specified periods of time after the accident or injury. So make sure you don’t disregard this time limit or else your claim may not be considered valid. Don’t take everything that your insurance agent tells you as the last word, especially regarding the value of your claim or a settlement. Insurance companies always try to give you estimates of losses that are lower than your actual losses. Don’t just accept their estimates without doing some estimation of your own. Don’t sign any document that is a release or a waiver of any kind. If you are not sure about what you are being asked to sign, then consult an attorney for help. Don’t take any check as a full and final payment unless you are certain that it is a fair compensation for your losses. | Free Case Consultation   Motor Vehicle / Auto Injury> Car Accidents > Truck / Tractor Trailer Accidents > Motorcycle Accidents > Drunk Driving Accidents  > Serious & Catastrophic Injuries> Product Liability > Slip & Fall / Trip & Fall > Wrongful Death > Medical Malpractice > Pharmaceutical & Drug Injury
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