Cherry Hill, a bustling suburban town just outside Philadelphia, is home to a growing population of families, professionals, and businesses. Known for its active community and thriving local economy, Cherry Hill’s busy roads and intersections can sometimes lead to unexpected accidents. If you’re involved in an accident here, acting quickly to defend your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve is crucial.
Cherry Hill personal injury lawyers are aware of the confusion and trauma that can follow an accident. Knowing exactly what steps to take immediately can make all the distinction in your physical and financial recovery. Here’s what lawyers recommend you do immediately after an accident in Cherry Hill to safeguard your future.
Ensure Safety and Seek Medical Attention
Your health and safety are the top priorities. If you or anyone else incurs an injury, call 911 immediately. Even if you feel your injuries are minor, it’s critical to get checked by a medical professional. Some injuries, like concussions or internal injuries, may not show symptoms right away but could worsen over time.
Moreover, medical records serve as vital evidence to support your claim. Waiting too long to see a doctor could harm your case, as the insurance companies may argue that your injuries were not severe or caused by the accident.
Contact Law Enforcement
Regardless of the severity of the accident, always contact the police. A police report is crucial in personal injury cases, providing an objective account of the incident. Officers will collect information from all parties involved and may even note who was at fault, which is essential when filing a claim.
Be sure to provide an accurate and detailed statement, but avoid confessing fault or making any assumptions about the cause of the accident at the scene.
Document the Scene and Gather Evidence
You can start documenting the accident scene as soon as possible. Use your phone to take photos or videos of the vehicles, the surroundings, visible injuries, and road conditions. Collect contact information from present witnesses and other parties involved, as their statements can be invaluable.
You should also note any nearby surveillance cameras that may have captured the incident. The more evidence you gather, your case will be stronger when pursuing compensation for your injuries.
Notify Your Insurance Company
After an accident, you must notify your insurance company immediately about what happened. However, it would help to be cautious when speaking with insurance adjusters. They may try to minimize your claim or pressure you into a quick settlement that doesn’t fully cover your damages.
It’s best to consult with a personal injury lawyer before providing detailed statements to insurance representatives. Your lawyer can guide you on how to communicate with insurers in a way that protects your interests.
Avoid Discussing the Accident on Social Media
In today’s digital age, it’s tempting to share everything on social media, but doing so after an accident can harm your personal injury claim. Insurance companies and defense advocates may monitor your online activity, looking for any statements or photos that could contradict your claims or downplay the severity of your injuries.
To avoid jeopardizing your case, it’s best to refrain from posting about the accident or your recovery until your claim is resolved.
Consult a Cherry Hill Personal Injury Lawyer
The most important step after an accident is consulting with an experienced Cherry Hill personal injury lawyer. A lawyer will evaluate the facts of your case, help you understand your legal rights, and ascertain you receive fair compensation for your injuries, medical expenditure, lost wages, and pain and suffering. An attorney can also handle negotiations with insurance companies and, if necessary, take your case to court.
Traversing the legal process after an accident can be complex and daunting, especially when you’re dealing with injuries and the stress that follows.
