Taylor King Blog
What to Do After a Car Accident
Weddings. Lesson plans. Budget meetings. Grocery lists. Kitchen renovations. Family vacations.
You spend a lot of time making plans. One thing no one ever plans for? Car accidents. But with an average of 6 million accidents in the United States each year, the risk is real. Don’t wait until the damage is already done to learn what to do if you’re involved in a car accident. The attorneys at Taylor King & Associates recommend familiarizing yourself with this brief checklist so that if the time comes, you’ll be prepared.
1. Keep evidence.
If you or your loved ones are involved in a wreck, one of the most important things you can do is gather evidence and keep it all in one file or folder. You don’t need a fingerprint kit or a detective badge to do so. Something as simple as pulling out your iPhone and taking pictures of the scene can make your case stronger. At the accident scene, take note of the names of nearby witnesses. Keep copies of your doctor’s notes, your medical bills, and those of anyone else (such as children) that your insurance company will have to cover.
2. Keep a journal.
Begin by writing a detailed description of the accident. Don’t rely on your memory for such important details! You’ll also want to record any injuries from the accident, as well as the time and treatment it takes to recover. Include any events you miss due to the accident, including days of work, family events, or your children’s school activities. Keep these simple, because under Arkansas law the opposing defense may ask to see your records.
Should you choose Taylor King & Associates to represent your case, we will provide you with everything you need to keep thorough records of everything case-related.
3. Keep quiet…
…unless you’re speaking with your lawyer. We know from experience that insurance companies prefer dealing with individual victims rather than with personal injury attorneys. If you’re involved in an accident, you’ll be hearing from multiple companies – car, health, yours, the other driver’s… There may also be uninsured or underinsured driver issues.
Anything you say to an insurance adjuster may impact your personal injury claim. Comments you make on social media or to other people can also negatively affect your case. Avoid saying too much by letting your lawyer do the talking.
4. Keep calm.
We know that the weeks following a car wreck can be stressful. You may be dealing with severe injuries, lost wages, medical treatment, and bills. If your car was badly damaged, you may be dealing with repairs and relying on others for transportation.
When it comes to getting compensation for the damages you have suffered, patience is key. Frustration often leads to decisions that you’ll regret later – and in a personal injury case, that could mean an unfair settlement. The personal injury team at Taylor King & Associates will do everything we can to communicate with you and keep you informed every step of the way.
If you think you have a personal injury claim, call 800-CAR WRECK for a free case evaluation today.
