Getting into a car accident is often a traumatic event for everyone involved. However, for unsuspecting passengers, there may be even less of a warning that something has gone wrong than what the driver is able to react to. That’s why being in a car accident can be especially impactful on victims who just happened to be in the car. They have no control over the situation, and often do not know their rights.
So what do you do if you were the victim of a car accident as the passenger? We’ve listed out some immediate steps below:
Seek Medical Attention
One of the first steps we recommend to any of our clients is to seek medical attention as soon as possible. The faster you can get your injuries documented by a licensed practitioner, the more legal weight it will hold in court. It’s inevitable that you’ll get pushback from insurance companies and defendants questioning the true extent of your injuries. The best thing you can do is have an air-tight argument with documents such as x-rays and official reports from the doctor which state every one of your injuries and their cause.
Gather Evidence
Depending on the severity of your injuries, you may be able to interact with bystanders who witnessed the accident. If capable, try to get their names and contact numbers, as their witness statements will mean a lot for the future of your case. Also, look around to see if there may have been any traffic cameras or home security systems that could have captured the accident as it happened. Anything you can use to show driver fault – whether your vehicle’s or the other’s – will assist with the process of filing a claim as each insurance provider tries to give you the runaround.
Obtain an Attorney and File a Claim
Medical bills can be expensive, and they don’t just stop with the immediate attention you may need for broken bones or other injuries. In fact, there are many chronic issues that may manifest later on in direct correlation to your accident. Get the protection you deserve by obtaining legal counsel and filing a claim as soon as you can. Depending on who the culpable driver is, this process can get complicated, but it’s important to get it figured out as soon as possible so that your damages are covered and you don’t go into financial distress as a result of something that wasn’t your fault. Your attorney will be able to help you navigate the claim process and get you the recourse you are entitled to.
Contact Gokal Law
Have you recently experienced a car accident as an unknowing passenger? You may be entitled to a case. Contact Alison Gokal of Gokal Law Group, Inc. Our team will diligently investigate your claims, interview witnesses, and give you the support you need to win your case. The sooner you contact us, the more effective we are at getting you the justice you deserve.
Gokal Law Group is a family firm that treats our clients as if they were our own flesh and blood. We fight for our clients as we would our own children, sisters, brothers, and parents. We are our clients’ Warriors, fighting to bring them justice and right the wrongs they have endured.
Each attorney has a specific practice area for which they are tried, tested, and battle-ready. Each has vast years of experience in their practice area, providing them the knowledge, skills, and vision to fight and win. Learn more about Gokal Law Group.