How to Maximize Compensation After a Car Accident
With over 2.6 million people rushing to the emergency room following a motor vehicle crash each year, it is no wonder that an insurance payout from an accident involving serious injuries can easily reach high six figures. In the aftermath of a collision, you may find yourself unable to work, instead having your time consumed by medical appointments, surgeries, and ongoing physical therapy. The costs can be enough to make your head spin, while you can barely come up with the money to pay housing costs and utilities and put food on the table.
At Raybin & Weissman, we understand the aggravation of having to pay exorbitant medical bills while trying to recover from a crash. If you have recently been in a collision, our Nashville car accident lawyers are here to assist you in filing your claim.
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Seeking medical treatment may be the most important step you can take following a crash. By receiving treatment right away, a physician can document the severity of your injuries. If the extent of your injuries warrants it, a doctor may request medical imaging, such as an X-ray, CT scan, or MRI. Getting treatment sooner rather than later will prevent the opposing party from disputing that your injuries are unrelated to the crash.
Contact the Police
If you travel in Tennessee, you are required to report any motor vehicle accident to the police if there are any injuries, fatalities, or more than $1,500 in property damage. If a police officer is not dispatched to the scene, you are required to submit an Owner/Driver Report to the Tennessee Department of Public Safety within 20 days of the incident.
The officer who responds to the scene will file a crash report detailing:
- The full names of all drivers involved
- The make/model/year of all vehicles involved
- Location of the accident
- Description of the accident
- Weather and road conditions
- If any drivers or passengers suffered injuries
- The extent of damage (if any) to all vehicles involved
- Who the officer believes caused the crash
Insurance companies require a crash report when filing a claim. It can establish the at-fault driver’s liability, which can help you recover the most compensation for your injuries and vehicle damage.
Gather Evidence
Taking pictures of the final resting position of vehicles, any damage to vehicles, and your injuries may be used to prove liability and recover damages. Photographic documentation of any and all information can help an accident reconstructionist determine how the crash unfolded. If anyone captured a video of the incident, this can be used to show how the accident occurred in real time.
Take Down the Names of Any Eyewitnesses
If a bystander, pedestrian, or other eyewitness watched the accident, you should take down their full names and contact information. An impartial party who can corroborate your story will only reinforce your credibility. This can persuade a claims adjuster or jury (if you decide to pursue litigation) to award you greater compensation.
Reach Out to a Nashville Car Accident Attorney
Navigating the complex nature of the claims process successfully requires that you have someone who understands Nashville auto insurance law and timelines. When you contact the attorneys at Raybin & Weissman, you will find yourself in communication with a person who truly cares about the outcome of your case. We will assist you in gathering or highlighting evidence that can afford you maximum damages for your losses. To schedule your no-risk, free consultation with one of our Nashville car accident lawyers, contact us online or by phone.