Considerations that Could Impact Your Car Accident Case in Terms of Compensation
The impact of a severe car wreck goes far beyond the moments just after the accident. It can affect other areas of your personal and work life, especially if you’re severely injured. If one of these accidents happens and you’re not responsible for it, there are factors you should know that could affect how much compensation you receive, or if you receive any at all.
Seeking Medical Attention
Right after the accident, you should seek medical treatment for your injuries. Not only does this help you physically, but it documents the severity of the accident and provides substantial evidence which will help prove your case. You may have broken bones and bruises, for instance, clearly showing the accident took place. Medical records are a huge asset to your personal injury attorney because they can use these records to put a more tangible figure on your compensation. They’ve probably seen hundreds of cases like yours in the past and know what fair compensation amount should be.
Pre-Existing Injuries
Pre-existing injuries can also impact your case especially if your pre-existing injuries were aggravated by the car accident. You need a physician to take x-rays showing how your injury was altered or made worse. If the other party believes that your injuries were already present before the accident, then you need to hire a personal injury attorney. They’ll show your medical history and provide medical records, detailing what your body went through during the wreck.
Talking to Others
After a severe car accident, you and the other driver may start talking to each other. During this time, you need to make sure you never admit fault. Doing so could hurt your case and you might be the one paying for the damages. Remain calm and make a note if the other driver admits fault. You can use this as evidence to show their guilt.
In addition, you should see if any witnesses were present when the accident happened. If so, get their information and see if they wouldn’t mind testifying in court. They may have seen the entire accident unfold and can present information helpful to your cause. They can also file a car accident witness report, which includes the date of the accident, precise location of the crash, and any notes about lighting and weather.
It is in the chaotic moments right after an accident where you are most prone to commit costly mistakes. Remain calm and make sure you get immediate medical attention and take appropriate steps to document what happened.
For more information contact one of our highly qualified Attorneys in the Oklahoma City area call (405) 253-4478 or our main office in Ardmore (580) 798-0447.
Sources:
How To Write A Car Accident Witness Report, thelawdictionary.org
How to deal with a car accident, girlshealth.gov