Being in a motor vehicle accident can be a stressful event. After the immediate crash, you may be confused as to which steps to take next. Even if the vehicle damage seems minimal and your pain manageable, injuries can present themselves hours or days afterward. You want to protect yourself from a potential lawsuit from the other party or you need proof of evidence of trauma caused by the crash. Discussing your incident with a legal professional can help you determine how to proceed. The following are some tips to follow after being involved in an auto accident.

Talk to a lawyer

About 6 million people are involved in car accidents in the nation every year. There are general road rules and laws that must be followed by all motorists, across the US. However, every state has its own laws to obey. If you find yourself in an accident in the state of Tennessee, you can contact a local attorney such as the legal professionals of Cummings Law. This firm specializes in medical malpractice and motor vehicle accident cases. Attorneys in this field of law will assist you in obtaining all the proper evidence and guide you through the next steps. 

Seek medical attention immediately

Immediately following your accident you should go to a hospital or see a doctor as soon as possible. Physical injuries can vary due to the severity of the crash. Some occur on impact like abrasions while others such as whiplash can be felt 24 hours to a few days later. Even if you are feeling fine at the time of the accident you should seek medical attention. Acute injuries may end up becoming long-term disabilities and you will need your lawyer to advocate for you in the future. Your lawyer needs to be able to prove your injury was from the accident and continues, if applicable, to interfere with your everyday life. You may have to take time off from work for an extended time period or in some cases indefinitely. Without the proper paperwork, insurance companies may deny you and leave you responsible for all the medical bills. A physician signs documentation explaining that your current injuries are the cause of the accident. This allows your attorney to seek medical damages as a part of your case.

Follow up with your car insurance company

Just as with physical injuries, damages done to the vehicles should be reported to insurance companies.  Your insurance provider may send an investigator out to report back about the condition of the car. Their job is to make sure everything is accurate and there aren’t any fraudulent claims. Never leave the scene before the police arrive. A simple fender bender can easily turn into a hit and run which comes with more serious charges. It may seem more of a hassle to submit the information through your insurance company, especially if there isn't any noticeable damage to the vehicle (or yourself). Some states hold everyone in the car liable. Tennessee, for example, is known as a “modified comparative negligence” state. This means that even as a car passenger, you can be charged if it’s found that you share some responsibility for the accident. If the court decides you share responsibility, you can be held accountable and awarded less in any settlement.

You should also perform your due diligence at the scene by taking photographs of all vehicles, visible injuries, and even the condition of the roads. For example, sliding on black ice can be hard to prove during warmer months. Your lawyer will take this evidence and submit it to the insurance company. Having all your documents, such as the police report and medical bills, signed and dated will help solidify your case.