After an Accident: Action Steps
After a car wreck, your next steps are crucial to the value of your claim and getting the justice deserve.
I’ll keep it plain. Here’s what you should do and why.
Call the police - There needs to be a record of what took place, a narrative of what happened, witness gathering, and proof of fault. Get a police report.
Gather Pictures - Take pictures! Make sure you have pictures of the scene, vehicle damages (outside and inside such as airbar, and your injuries (bruises, cuts, etc.). These are important to support your claim. Do the best you can to collect the initial evidence.
Go to the doctor - If you are injured, you must seek medical treatment. Otherwise, how can you have an injury claim? Go to the emergency room and follow-up with a doctor, your primary care physician for example. Delay in treatment negatively impacts your claim. Often times the pain doesn’t hit until a day or two later, but get to the doctor sooner than later.
Seek trusted legal counsel - After an accident, your phone will be ringing off the hook with calls from clinics, lawyers, and other medical providers. Be careful yet diligent in seeking legal counsel. Hiring an attorney shortly after the accident will help make sure your case is being handled properly from the beginning. You could say or do the wrong this without legal guidance.
Side note: You may go to a medical provider and they send you to ‘their’ attorney. Be mindful of this and do not sign anything that you do not understand or haven’t read. You could be hiring an attorney that you do not want to work with. Yes, I’ve spoken to someone who signed documents with no idea what was signed - turns out, it was hiring a law firm that a wellness clinic connected her to.
These are just a few actions to take immediately following a car wreck or pedestrian incident.
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If you've had a car accident in Tennessee and need help, A.McKnight Legal Group is here for you. Here's what you should know:
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What’s Involved: You can meet with a lawyer for free to ask questions, understand your rights, and learn about the next steps in the process.
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Call Us: Dial 615-285-5393 to set up your consultation.
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Having the right legal help can really make a difference with your claim. Don’t wait to get the support you need!
