When you’ve been hurt in a car accident that wasn’t your fault, one of the smartest things you can do is contact auto accident lawyers. These attorneys can help you in filing claims and expediting the insurance process, as well as filing a suit against the other driver if his or her negligence caused your injury. But there are a few things in the process that even experienced personal injury lawyers can’t control. Here’s what you personally can do to strengthen your case and get the compensation you need and deserve:
- Seek Treatment
If you even suspect that you’ve experienced injury, see a doctor as soon as possible. If you wait, the other driver’s attorneys may be able to twist the situation so it looks as if you’re trying to game the system and get money without actually being badly hurt. For that reason, it’s also best if you can see an M.D., rather than an alternative practitioner. Even a chiropractor won’t hold as much weight as a physician when it comes to proving your case.
- Save Documents
Save every scrap of paper you get from your insurance company, your doctors or the other driver. That includes claims, assessments, medical files and bills. Your lawyer or lawyers will be able to help you sort out what is important and what you’ll need to support your case. Some will likely be used to demonstrate the nature and severity of your injury, while others will document the expenses you need covered (both key factors in determining the dollar amount of car accident settlements).
- Stay Consistent
If you’re nervous about going through a legal process like this one for the first time, it’s easy to get carried away when sharing your side of the story. Try to stay calm, giving just the facts to the many people who will be interviewing you (including, but not limited to, the police, medical staff and both side’s lawyers). Letting the story grow will allow room for the other side to claim you’re exaggerating or entirely fabricating what you say happened.
What else can lawyers for car accidents not do without their clients’ help? Add more ways to help your auto accident lawyers in strengthening a case in the comments.