How to Strengthen Your Car Accident Claim

If you were struck by a reckless driver, it’s only natural to want to hold him or her accountable. Thankfully, you may be able to do so by filing a personal injury claim.

Keep in mind, however, that just because you have grounds for action doesn’t mean you’re guaranteed a payout. In order to hold the at-fault motorist accountable, you’re going to have to put together a compelling case, which generally starts at the scene of the crash. 

Read on for some of the most important steps to take as soon as possible after a car wreck, so you can build a strong claim:

1. Preserve Records from the Scene 

If you have any potential evidence from the scene, store it in a safe place. This might include photographs of the wreckage, statements from eyewitnesses, and footage from any dash cameras that captured the collision. Your legal team will want to review such records to determine what happened in the moments leading up to the crash. 

2. Undergo a Medical Exam 

Even if you were able to walk away from the scene, you should visit a doctor as soon as possible. Adrenaline can mask a lot of worrisome symptoms. There are also a host of impact injuries that don’t always become apparent for days or even weeks. 

By undergoing an exam right away, you’re ensuring the prompt treatment of any and all injuries. You’re also demonstrating a commitment to mitigating damages from day one. 

3. Lay Low on Social Media 

Since the insurance adjuster will be looking for any reason to challenge your credibility, it’s best to keep a low profile online for as long as your claim is pending. Do not post about the accident, your injuries, or your social life, as such content could open the door for disputes, depending on how it’s interpreted. 

4. Start a Daily Journal 

Car accident attorneys advise victims to start writing daily entries in a personal journal immediately following the crash. Detailed logs that document the hurdles they face as a result of their injuries will come in handy when it comes time to demonstrate non-monetary losses like pain and suffering, mental anguish, and emotional distress. 

5. Save Documentation of Damages

Since you can only claim damages that you can prove you incurred, it’s imperative to document all the expenses associated with your injuries diligently. This means saving all medical bills, health insurance statements, receipts, and invoices for reasonably necessary replacement services. 

You should also track every paycheck you miss while out of work recovering, as well as any other objectively verifiable losses that you wouldn’t have incurred had you not gotten hurt. 

Speak with a Jackson Car Accident Attorney 

If you were involved in a collision that has since turned your life upside-down, turn to the compassionate team at Brown Bass & Jeter, PLLC. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that unanticipated injuries can take on the whole family, and we’re proud to fight tirelessly on behalf of accident victims and their loved ones. Call 601-487-8448 or submit our Contact Form to schedule a free initial consultation with a car accident lawyer in Jackson.