The moments following an auto accident in the Portland or Vancouver area can be tense and disorienting. As you examine yourself for injuries and assess the scene, it’s natural to feel stunned or even confused about what steps to take. Even though no one plans to get into a car accident, informing yourself about what to do if you find yourself in this unfortunate situation is a great way to ensure that you navigate the aftermath as best you can. Collecting the compensation you need to help cover the medical costs, lost wages, and other expenses stemming from the accident will be easier if you avoid making the following common mistakes.
1. Failing to Seek Appropriate Medical Attention
People who sustain severe car accident injuries will likely receive medical treatment at a hospital. However, many people assume that minor injuries are not worth a visit to the doctor. Sore necks, headaches, muscle aches, and other seemingly “harmless” injuries may not immediately affect your daily life, but they can often signal a more severe injury, like a concussion, internal bleeding, or other bodily trauma. Have a physician evaluate you to determine the nature and extent of your injuries. Additionally, make sure you follow through with all prescribed treatments, like physical therapy. You’ll have a much simpler time building a successful auto accident claim if you can show that you took all the necessary steps to support your recovery.
2. Forgetting to Gather Sufficient Evidence
The key to a successful auto accident claim is the ability to produce details from the scene to shed light on what happened. It’s natural to feel disoriented after the accident occurs, but taking simple actions at the scene can help you build a more substantial claim later on. Gather contact information from the other parties involved, including any witnesses, and take photos of the scene. Ask the responding law enforcement officer for a copy of the police report, which may serve as an objective account of the accident. Keep your medical records, prescription documents, and other paperwork associated with your injuries handy so you can use them when you move forward with your auto accident claim.
3. Neglecting to Work With an Experienced Auto Accident Attorney
While some auto accident victims navigate the auto accident claims process on their own, those who enlist the assistance of a compassionate and trusted personal injury lawyer tend to feel more supported throughout the process. It’s stressful enough to face your physical recovery and worry about how you’re going to afford these medical bills and lost wages—you don’t need the additional pressure of battling with insurance companies. Your attorney will advise you on the best path towards securing the compensation you deserve, empowering you to push back against lowball offers and negotiating a favorable settlement on your behalf.
If you need help collecting compensation following a car accident in the Portland or Vancouver area, call the dedicated and compassionate attorneys at Henderson Taylor Law Firm today at (360) 737-1478 to get started.
