If you've been in an auto accident in West Virginia, you're probably now asking what you need to do?
Seek medical treatment immediately!
Of course, the first concern is your health, safety and well-being. Don't wait to seek treatment for your injuries. Often times, where liability in a car accident is clear (e.g., a rear-end collision), insurance companies and their lawyers are going to engage in damage control to the maximum extent possible.
We West Virginians are tough people and tend to avoid hospitals. But its important to see your medical provider as soon as possible after the accident. For the first few hours after an accident, you may not even notice any problems. It may take time for the adrenaline to wear off from such a high stress event as an automobile accident.
If you are seen in the ER, its important to follow any discharge instructions and follow up with your personal physician as soon as possible for further treatment.
Don't speak to the insurance adjuster
The first person to contact you will likely be the insurance adjuster. Although this person may act like your best friend over the phone, the adjuster is not your friend. The adjuster's sole objective is to close your claim as soon as possible for as little money as possible. You may be tempted to hear this polite person out. After all, the adjuster will inquire about how he or she can help you and that sounds good. But the truth is that you may not even know the extent of your injuries at this point. You simply are not in a position to settle your case at this time because its impossible to know what your damages are going to be. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES, should you give a recorded statement, if asked. You are under no obligation to give such a statement. The insurance adjuster is a trained investigator who is skilled at taking such statements. The insurance adjuster is going to do his or her best to minimize your injuries. The only thing the adjuster is concerned about is saving the insurance company money.
Hire a diligent lawyer as soon as possible
The insurance company has a claims investigator to work on its behalf. These persons are usually former law enforcement and are highly skilled at investigating automobile accident claims. You need a lawyer who is going to represent your best interests. An automobile accident case, like any legal case, needs to be investigated as soon as possible after the event. Witnesses memories fade and grow dim. Surveillance video recordings are recorded over. Essential opportunities to preserve evidence in your case is lost every second that you go unrepresented. Don't assume that just because a police officer was called to the scene to do an accident report that a thorough investigation will be done. Don't take a chance when you and your family's future well-being may be at stake. Call Lambert Law Offices today to ensure that you will get what you deserve. (304) 205-8915.