Staying Safe on New Year’s: What to Do If You Are Injured in an Auto Accident 🤕 🚗💥
Courtney Cotter
As we gear up to welcome the New Year, it is crucial to stay safe and aware, especially when out on the roads. Unfortunately, the holiday season often sees an increase in auto accidents, and New Year’s Even as well as New Year’s Day are no exceptions. If you or a loved one find yourselves involved in an auto accident during this festive season, here is what you need to know:
Prioritize Safety
If you are in an auto accident, first ensure everyone’s safety. Move to a safe location and assess injuries. As soon as possible call emergency services if anyone is hurt. Make sure to utilize hazard lights, cones, or warning triangles to alert other drives of the accident scene.
Seek Medical Attention
Even if injuries seem minor, it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly. Adrenaline can mask pain or symptoms of serious injuries. It is important to follow through with medical recommendations as well as treatment plans. You will want to keep records of all medical treatments and expenses.
Gather Information
The more information you gather surrounding the car wreck, the better. Exchange information with the other parties that were involved, including names, contact information, insurance details, and vehicle registration numbers. Take photos and videos documenting the scene of the accident, note the positions of vehicles as well as point of impact, road conditions, and any contributing factors (like weather and road signage).
Contact Law Enforcement
Generally if you contact law enforcement they will send a local law enforcement officer to the scene of the accident. Law enforcement will file a report documenting what occurred, as well as making a determination as to who was the at-fault party. A police report can be essential for insurance claims and legal proceedings.
Avoid Admitting Fault
Refrain from admitting fault or making any kind of statement that could be interpreted as an admission of guilt. Make sure you stick to the facts when discussing the accident. If the insurance company requests a recorded statement respectfully decline and let the adjuster know either your attorney will provide a statement or you will provide a written statement at a later date.
Notify Your Insurance Company
If you do not know the insurance company of the at-fault party you can file a claim with your own insurance company. This is not alway necessary but it can speed up the process. Once a claim is filed your insurance company will work with you to resolve your property damage claim. Once they have resolved your property damage claim they will then go after the at-fault party to recover the amount they paid to you in a process referred to a subrogation.
Preserve Evidence
To ensure you receive adequate compensation for your case it is important to keep all documents related to the accident, such as medical bills, repair estimates, correspondences with insurance companies, and police reports.
Time Limits for Filing Claims
You will want to make sure you are well aware of the statute of limitations for filing personal injury claims in Tennessee and Michigan, as there are time limits within which legal actions must be taken or you are forever barred from recovery.
Consult a Personal Injury Attorney
Seeking legal counsel from an experienced personal injury lawyer, especially one well-versed in Tennessee and Michigan laws, can protect your rights and help navigate the legal complexities of your case.
Stay Calm and Patient
Dealing with the aftermath of an accident can be stressful, but remaining composed and patient is crucial. Allow your attorney to guide you through the legal process while you focus on recovery.
At Cotter Law, we understand the challenges individuals face after an auto accident, especially during the holiday season. Our dedicated team is committed to assisting victims in Tennessee and Michigan, offering support, guidance, and legal expertise to ensure your rights are protected and you receive the compensation you deserve. If you or a loved one has been injured in an auto accident during the New Year holiday, do not hesitate to reach out to us for a free consultation. We will work together to navigate through this challenging time and seek the justice and compensation you deserve.