If you’ve been hurt in a car accident, you may have many questions and concerns. The Law Office of Martin T. Montilino is a car accident attorney in Minneapolis, Minnesota who may be able to assist you with the insurance claims process and with the process of seeking damages from negligent parties after a crash. If you’ve been seriously injured, you might be juggling medical appointments, rehabilitation appointments, and may be struggling to pay the bills if you’ve had to miss time from work to recover. During this confusing and challenging time, it can be helpful to have someone on your side helping you navigate the claims process.
After a car accident, you may be legally obligated to take certain steps, like stopping to render aid and reporting the car accident. There may also be additional steps you can take to protect your rights after a car accident. The aftermath of a crash can be stressful and confusing. It is normal to feel stuck and to not know what to do. Here are some things you can do right after a car accident to protect yourself and those around you:
- Render Aid. It is against the law to be involved in a car accident and not stop. This is a hit and run and individuals can face criminal charges if they don’t stop and render aid after a crash. Always stop after a crash and call for medical assistance if anyone has been injured.
- Make a Police Report. According to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, if a crash results in death, injuries, or property damage in excess of $1000, you are required by law to make a report with Driver and Vehicle Services. However, even if no one seems to be injured and damage appears to be minor, you may still want to make a police report. Why? Sometimes injuries are not always immediately apparent after an accident. Sometimes damage to a vehicle may appear to be very minor, but when the repair bills come in, they exceed $1000. When making an insurance claim, having a report of the accident can be incredibly useful.
- Exchange Contact Information and Insurance Information with the Other Driver. The aftermath of a car accident can be stressful, but it is important to collect contact information of the other driver. Gather the other driver’s insurance information, phone number, license plate number, and any other important information. If you were injured and had to be rushed to the hospital, police may have been able to gather this information and there may be other means to obtain this information. But, in an accident involving no injuries or only minor injuries, it may be up to you to gather names and contact information, especially names and contact information of any witnesses who saw your accident take place. Have questions? Need help? The Law Office of Martin T. Montilino, is a car accident law firm in Minneapolis, Minnesota that may be able to assist you with gathering crucial information after a crash to make a claim.
- Take Photos. If you can, take photos of the accident scene. Write down as much information about what happened that you can remember. A photo of the damage to your vehicle or of the accident scene can often tell a strong story.
- Call Your Insurance Company. Many insurance companies will require that you inform them about the accident right away. Don’t delay.
- Consider Reaching Out to A Car Accident Lawyer. While you may not need a personal injury attorney to assist you for a very minor car accident claim, if you were seriously injured, if fault is in dispute, or if you believe the settlement your insurance company is offering is lower than your losses, the Law Office of Martin T. Montilino is a personal injury attorney in Minneapolis, Minnesota who may be able to assist you. Our firm can review your case, estimate the value of your claim, and negotiate with insurance adjusters to help you get the settlement you may deserve under the law.
These are just some things to consider if you’ve been hurt in a car accident in Minneapolis, Minnesota. However, every situation is unique. The Law Office of Martin T. Montilino is a personal injury attorney in Minneapolis, Minnesota that can review your case and help you understand the next steps you can take. If you’ve been injured in a car accident, you may only have a limited amount of time to make a claim under the law. In the confusion and stress after a serious car accident, it can be helpful to have a personal injury attorney on your side to assist you with navigating the claims process, negotiating with insurers, and seeking compensation for your injuries. USAttorneys.com can connect you with the attorneys at the Law Office of Martin T. Montilino today, or you can reach out to our law firm directly for a free initial consultation.