What you do immediately after an accident can significantly impact your personal injury claim. Here are some important steps to take:
Seek Medical Attention: Your health is the top priority. Get medical help immediately, even for seemingly minor injuries. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, and prompt medical attention creates a record of your injuries. Delayed treatment can cause problems. Insurance adjusters regularly assert injuries “are not causally or temporally related to the accident” if there is a delay in seeing a doctor. We think it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Document the Scene: If you're able, take photos and videos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Collect contact information from witnesses. Do not narrate the video or make comments while filming. Simply record the accident scene.
Report the Accident: Notify the police and obtain a copy of the accident report. This official documentation can be incredibly important to establish liability for your claim.
Avoid Discussing Fault: Do not apologize or make detailed statements to anyone at the scene or insurance adjusters without legal advice. Even a simple "I'm sorry" could be used against you later.
Preserve Evidence: Keep all documents related to the accident, including medical records, bills, and any correspondence with insurance companies.
Contact a Lawyer: If you’ve been injured in an accident in Hickory due to no fault of your own, please contact Teddy, Meekins & Talbert as soon as possible. The sooner we can start working on your case, the better we preserve crucial evidence and begin protecting your best interests.
Remember, the insurance company is not on your side. Their goal is to minimize their payout, which is why it's a good idea to have an experienced personal injury lawyer advocating for your interests.
Contact Us for a Free Consultation
At Teddy, Meekins & Talbert, we're committed to helping accident victims in Hickory navigate the complex world of personal injury law. Our team is ready to listen to your story, explain your options, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Call us today at (704) 396-5155 or fill out our online contact form to get started. Your path to justice and fair compensation begins with a single step – reaching out to our dedicated team of Hickory accident lawyers.
