What Should You Do If You Are In An Auto Accident?
Because we have been practicing Personal Injury Law for decades we have relationships with the best accident investigators and other experts in the country. There are several things you can do to help protect your rights:
Do not state that the accident was your fault. Admissions at an accident scene are often made under stress, shock or a lack of knowledge. Do not decline medical help. Shock or adrenaline may cause you not feel any immediate pain or from making good decisions regarding your need for medical help. Often the full impact of your injuries on your quality of life may not be known for months or even years. If you are in pain or experience a loss of consciousness, go to the hospital. Delaying treatment is unwise from both a medical and legal standpoint. If you are asked to sign a release by your or the other party's Insurance company, you should consult with an experienced personal injury attorney first. A release is a legal document that forgives liability without necessarily excusing your own liability. If you are offered money for signing the release, remember the full extent of your injuries may not be apparent until later. According to the Allstate Insurance Company's claims manual, "Represented claims settle for 2-3 times more than unrepresented claims." (Source: Allstate Insurance Company Claims Manual (1996), Ex. 4, p. 3). Insurance company investigators could be falsely sympathetic, so it is important to instruct your family and friends not to give out information to anyone.
Here are a few things you can do to help with your personal injury claim:
- Take photographs of the accident scene.
- Take photographs of both vehicles.
- Photograph your injuries, if visible.
- Write down what the other party said at the scene.
- Write down witnesses' names, addresses, and phone numbers.
- Document your wage loss, medical bills, etc.
As part of its free initial investigation, Aiken and Scoptur, S.C. employs individuals highly experienced in the investigation of car, truck, and motorcycle collisions. These investigations involve photographs and measurements at the scene; photographs of all involved vehicles and other property damage; photographs of injuries; witness statements; and technical research and computations involving the many issues related to the cause of the collision. These investigators also establish facts determining all related ownership and comparative fault issues. Protect your rights - Contact an experienced Wisconsin traffic accident attorney.
