Navigating the difficult aftermath of a car accident

On Behalf of | Nov 24, 2017 | Motor Vehicle Accidents

A car accident can be both traumatic and complicated for all Montana parties involved. If your accident was the result of a negligent or reckless motorist, you may have a rightful claim to financial compensation, but you may not be sure how to pursue that compensation. While you are dealing with the emotional, physical and financial implications of a car accident, you may also need to know how to navigate the complex process of a civil claim.

What you do in the minutes, days and weeks after a car accident matters. You would be wise to carefully step through this process, working intentionally to preserve your interests and eventually get the restitution you need for your medical bills and other accident-related expenses.

What’s next after a crash?

In the immediate aftermath of a crash, it is prudent to stay at the scene of the accident. People who are not injured can check on those who may be hurt, and it is also extremely useful to take pictures of as many aspects of the accident scene as possible. It is also important to talk to the authorities and get anyone medical help who needs it.

After addressing the emergency needs of people hurt in an accident, you would be wise to speak with any witnesses who saw what happened. It is prudent to get their contact information in case you need it in the future. In the days following the accident, it is useful to do the following:

  • Speak with your insurance company: Contacting your insurance company is one of the first steps you should take. Insurance companies do not have your best interests in mind, but you would be in your best interests to report the accident as expediently as possible.
  • Keep track of your medical care: An important part of any civil claim is documentation. Keeping track of your expenses, medical care and other accident-related treatment issues can help bolster your claim in the future.
  • Get appropriate valuation of your property: In order to get an appropriate amount of compensation for your accident-related losses, you need to get a valuation of all of your personal property damaged in the accident.

With appropriate documentation, it is possible to build a strong claim against the liable party. When the negligent or reckless actions of another driver causes you harm, it is possible to hold these individuals accountable.

You could have valid grounds to move forward with a civil claim, but you have no time to lose in taking the measures necessary to get the recovery you need and deserve.

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