Injured in a Car Accident? Your Compensation To-Do List

If you are injured in a car accident, it's important to take action immediately in order to ensure your medical bills and other costs will be covered down the road. The right steps early on can mean fewer headaches and a better payout later, which you will need if you are unable to work or suffer other debilitating side effects. Follow this to-do list in order to make sure you don't miss a step. 

1. Call the police and get the other driver's information.

If you are too dazed or too hurt after the accident to get information then, at least make sure the police are involved, even if you aren't sure at the time whether you are injured (some injuries take time to fully manifest). If there is no police record of your accident, it's nearly impossible to have any civil case for compensation later. 

The other driver's insurance will cover damages if they are at fault. Knowing the insurance information is the first step in getting what you need. 

2. Call a car accident lawyer.

You might think that you should wait to call a lawyer, but if you suspect an injury or if you know you have an injury, calling a lawyer is good next step. Consultations are usually free, and the lawyer is paid by the settlement you receive later. Your lawyer will let you know if there is anything specific to your case that you need to do. For example, if you have several injured people, including people who aren't in your family, your lawyer will be able to advise you on what to do next. Your lawyer will become your point of contact for insurance companies and settlement offers. They will be able to advise you on how much you can expect to receive, or if you should wait for a better deal.

Call a law office like that of Randall A. Wolff & Associates, Ltd, for more assistance with your case.

3. See the doctor.

If your injuries at the accident are obvious, you likely ended up getting checked at the hospital. However, if you walked away from the accident and didn't seem too hurt, you should still get checked by your family doctor. This documents that you received medical help as a result of the accident, which can help to secure your case if you have a lingering or undiagnosed injury. If you get treated, have surgery, or get any medications, make sure you know what they are for and get a statement about why they are needed.