“A Car Accident!! What Do I Do?!”

Question:  I got into an accident.  What should I do; where do I go from here?

Answer:  Always know your legal rights!

People who have been struck by a car, either as a driver or passenger often are unsure of their legal rights

As soon as you are in an auto accident, contact the police and your attorney.  If you are in immediate pain, have the police call an ambulance.  It is better to get checked out by a doctor.  Plus, your claim will be more valuable.

 Don’t make a statement to the insurance company before contacting a lawyer; the insurance company will usually obtain your statement by recording the phone conversation and of course they will have you admit to actions or statements that can be used against you.

The insurance company will evaluate your claim based on the type of injury, the type of treatment, whether you lost time from work and whether the injury is permanent.  When the injury is serious, a doctor can provide a disability rating.  When treatment is complete, the insurance company and attorney will negotiate a settlement.  You have the right to say no to the offer and have your case heard in court.

Personal injury insurance claims must be filed before the statute of limitations in your state expires.

Note: The information in this column are opinions and are not meant to give legal advice.