What You Need To Know To Protect Your Personal Injury Rights After A Car Accident
Your actions in the aftermath of an auto accident can help or hurt your ability to receive full compensation for your injuries. The wrong statement to an insurance adjuster can do irreversible harm to your case, but there are proactive steps that will help you protect your rights and enhance your recovery.
Bashein & Bashein has handled thousands of motor vehicle accidents in Cleveland, in Akron and throughout northeast Ohio. Contact us as soon as possible after a crash for legal advice and experienced representation.
What To Do After An Accident
- Call 911 and render first aid to others if you are able.
- Get the other driver’s information: driver’s license, license plate, contact and insurance information.
- Get contact information from witnesses, but do not discuss the accident except with a police officer.
- Take photos of the vehicles, the crash scene and your visible injuries.
- Even if you have minor injuries, seek medical attention promptly. You may be hurt worse than you thought and it is important to get a thorough evaluation for any injuries.
- Important: Make sure that the hospital bills are submitted to your health insurance, not to your car insurance.
- Contact an attorney at the first reasonable opportunity. We can advise you of your rights and take immediate steps to preserve important evidence.
- Report the accident to police if they were not summoned to the scene, and obtain a copy of the accident report.
- Report the accident to your insurance agent. This is especially important if you were hit by an uninsured driver or a hit-and-run driver.
- Important: Do not talk to the other driver’s insurance company before you get legal advice. Their adjuster may try to coax you into statements that can be harmful later.
- Critical: Never sign a waiver, statement or settlement offer without talking to a lawyer first. You could be signing away rights to future medical care or selling your case for far less than it is worth.
Free Case Evaluation By An Experienced Ohio Car Crash Attorney
The sooner you talk with the proven and compassionate lawyers of Bashein & Bashein, the greater your peace of mind will be about the hardships and anxieties after a car accident. Call 216-771-3239 or toll-free 800-771-4457 or e-mail us today to schedule a free consultation.