Automobile accidents happen every day here in Mississippi, and I work with clients whose families have suffered a wide range of injuries, from no injuries at all to death. Whether you have been involved in a minor fender-bender or a catastrophic or fatal accident, there are a few simple steps that everyone should take to protect their legal interests. When an accident happens, it can often be traumatic, and it is hard to remember what steps to take. I have written the following blog post to help people remember four mistakes they should avoid after any accident, no matter how insignificant.
If you or a loved one was injured as a result of an automobile accident, you will need to have experienced counsel help you attain your fair share of compensation for injuries and recovery. Barrett Law has the experience to help you. Contact us now at (800) 707-9577.
Failing to call the police—Always call the police after an automobile accident. Even if there appears to be no damage or injuries, there is no harm in having an objective, third-party law enforcement officer document the scene. This report may be vital later if injuries arise, and photographs and notes that the police officer creates may carry more weight than ones made by a person involved in the accident.
Failing to exchange insurance information—Always exchange insurance information with the other driver and take a picture of the information with your phone. Even in situations where you believe no damage to your car occurred, and you were not injured, exchange insurance information. Also, always attain the following information from the other driver: Name; Phone number; Address; Driver’s license number; License plate number; Insurance information; Make and model of the other driver’s vehicle.
Failing to attain medical care—Attain a medical examination immediately if you are injured in an accident. Even if you “feel O.K.” after an accident, see a physician, as you are likely in shock and in no position to judge your medical condition. It is essential to establish a baseline of your physical condition so that if injuries develop subsequently, there is evidence establishing when they began. If you fail to do this, the other driver’s insurance company is likely to claim that some later incident caused your injuries, not the accident. In that scenario, without any medical records supporting your claim you are unlikely to recover any compensation.
Failing to take pictures—We are lucky that we now live in a world where almost everyone has a camera on them at all times. If you are physically capable, take as many pictures as possible of the accident scene. It becomes much more difficult to establish what caused the accident and who was to blame once the vehicles are towed away. The other driver’s insurance company will likely attempt to construe the police report in a way that paints you as negligent, and there may not be police photos to prove otherwise.
What Should You Do If You or a Loved One Has Been Injured in an Automobile Accident?
If you or a loved one was injured in an automobile accident, you should be compensated for medical costs, loss of work, and other expenses. Let experienced counsel take care of preserving medical records, taking pictures of the accident site, attaining expert opinions, and dealing with the defendant’s attorneys. These are essential tasks that only a personal injury attorney can handle for you.
Call Barrett Law now, an experienced Mississippi personal injury law firm, to represent you if you have suffered an injury. Contact us now at (800) 707-9577. The seasoned Mississippi Personal Injury Attorney Jonathan Barrett is ready to assist you now!
