Fender-bender accidents happen all the time. They’re called fender-benders because, in most cases, slight damage to your vehicle occurs and no injuries are involved. These types of motor vehicle accidents rarely require intervention by emergency personnel or a legal representative. Insurers and the folks themselves handle the resolution. Serious collisions, on the other hand, are a different matter. Victims, at-fault drivers, police and medical providers find themselves in the middle of a situation that needs proper management to be sure each affected party is given due consideration.
Medical treatment of injuries is first and foremost after any accident. Even if there isn’t a need for an ambulance, a physical evaluation and follow-up monitoring can prevent problems from surfacing later. One school of thought is that an immediate call to your lawyer is a good idea because he or she will be able to step right in and be a part of the accident investigation. When a fatality is involved, this might be particularly helpful to future settlement negotiations or courtroom presentations. At the very least, legal counsel can evaluate the circumstances and provide some information about protecting your interests.
Victims of wrecks are often in an adversarial relationship with the other side of the negotiating table no matter how valuable the claim may turn out to be. The goal of insurance company specialists is to minimize the payout to you. Injured individuals and surviving families are entitled to seek compensation under the law. A strategic approach that is based on the accident evidence, long-term projections of medical and emotional needs and other relevant factors may help in appropriate recovery.
While there is an expiration date for personal injury claims to be made after an accident, it is sometimes appropriate to allow some time to pass before acting. In some cases, being sure of the extent of the injuries sustained or validity of projected costs might be the better choice.
