The days and weeks following a car accident in New Orleans can be overwhelming. You are dealing with physical injuries, anxiety about your job, and concerns of your family. It can be easy to forget to take specific steps to protect your legal right to recover compensation for your car accident claim.
The good news is that by taking five common sense steps after a car accident, you can protect your legal rights and increase your chance of recovering a fair settlement for your car accident claim.
1. Go to the Doctor Now
Many people put off going to the doctor after a car accident. They don’t believe they are seriously injured, or they fail to recognize the signs of a car accident injury.
It is always a good idea to see your doctor following any car crash. For your health, it just makes sense to ensure that you are not suffering from an injury that could become worse. It also makes sense for a car accident claim. Delays in medical treatment are one of the things insurance companies look for to fight an injury claim.
2. Create File Folders for the Car Accident Claim
You are going to receive paperwork regarding your car accident. You may have medical records, accident reports, medical bills, loss of income, and other evidence of damages. Creating file folders helps you organize the documents so that you have easy access to information when you are ready to file a claim.
3. Follow Your Doctor’s Treatment Plan
Failing to show up for follow up appointments is noted in your medical record. The insurance company for the other driver uses information about your failure to complete treatment to argue you were not injured in the accident or your injuries are not as severe as you claim.
4. Avoid Social Media During a Car Accident Case
Social media posts are not private. There are always ways to obtain information that is posted online. Claiming you cannot work because of a car accident injury while posting pictures of yourself at a party will not help with your accident claim.
It is best to avoid social media until your claim is settled. You should not delete your account, but you may want to temporarily deactivate it or change your security settings to prevent other people from posting on our timeline or tagging you in posts.
5. Contact a New Orleans Car Accident Attorney For a Free Case Review
It does not cost you anything to meet with a New Orleans car accident lawyer. Therefore, it makes sense to take advantage of the free case review. An attorney reviews your case to determine if you have a valid personal injury claim. The lawyer advises you whether you need to hire an attorney or if you may want to handle the case yourself. Either way, you receive the advice you need to make the best decision for your situation.
You may be entitled to compensation for your damages, injuries, and losses related to the car crash, including but not limited to:
- Medical Treatment
- Loss of Income
- Property Damage
- Emotional Distress
- Physical Pain
- Loss of Quality of Life
- Permanent Disabilities and Impairments
Contact a New Orleans Car Accident Attorney
If you have questions about a car accident claim or an injury claim, contact Attorney Fred Olinde of The Olinde Firm. Call (504) 587-1440 or 1-800-587-1889 to schedule a free consultation with one of our car accident attorneys in New Orleans.