Five Essential Steps to Take After a Cherry Hill Personal Injury Accident
Victims of car accidents, truck accidents, slip-and-falls, and other personal injury accidents often sustain devastating injuries and high medical bills. It is possible to achieve a settlement to cover these costs if the victim was not at fault, but victims must tread carefully to avoid making missteps that could hurt their case.
A Cherry Hill personal injury attorney with Law Offices of Eric A. Shore explains what people should do after accidents. These five steps to take after a personal injury accident may help victims win a fair settlement from the insurance company.
Document the Accident
The first thing accident victims should do, if possible, is document the accident scene. In the case of a car accident, a victim can use their phone’s camera to take photos of their car, the car that hit them, and anything that may have caused the accident. This could include obscured stop signs or broken traffic lights.
Victims should also ask any witnesses for their contact information. The victim’s personal injury attorney may use these details to reach witnesses for their statements later.
See a Doctor to Check for Injuries
Seeing a doctor for medical treatment is one of the most important steps to take after a personal injury accident. Victims may not realize how truly injured they are, and injuries can worsen in the days following an accident.
Report the Accident
In New Jersey, car crash victims must file a police report if the accident caused more than $500 worth of property damage, injury, or death.
In many cases, police will come to the scene and make a report at the time of the accident. If they don’t, victims will need to make their report to avoid winding up with heavy fines.
File a Claim With the Insurance Company
Next, an accident victim should file a claim with the insurance company. The claim should include a list of damages that victims want the insurance company to cover.
Victims should rarely accept the first settlement offer, as it’s often too low to fully cover their damages. Personal injury lawyers are well aware of unscrupulous tactics used to lower settlements and can negotiate for a fair amount.
Hire a Cherry Hill, NJ, Personal Injury Attorney
The Law Offices of Eric A. Shore is a Cherry Hill-based law firm dedicated to helping clients win fair settlements. Victims who wish to learn more about the essential factors by exploring how to choose the right car accident lawyer and steps to take after a personal injury accident should call 1-800-CANT-WORK for a consultation.
