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Transportation Accidents

Types of Injuries

Your Serious Crash Case

Obtaining Compensation for Losses and Suffering

At the time of the crash

2-4 days from the crash

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Your Serious Crash Case

For any crash, there are general procedures to follow: turn off the engine, move out of traffic, file a report, and provide insurance and contact information.

In a serious crash, no matter what transportation mode is involved, injured victims and their families naturally focus on their physical, emotional, or financial challenges. However, there are certain procedures to follow and deadlines that will affect a potential claim.

At the time of the crash:

If you were able to get out of the vehicle and did not sustain any major injuries, follow these procedures at the time of the crash:

• Check for any injuries and get medical help as needed for anyone involved.
• Report the crash to the appropriate law enforcement body (Police, Coast Guard, Federal Aviation Administration, etc.)
• Do not admit any fault or liability. Don't even say, “I didn't see you coming.” Or “I was looking the other way.”
• Take photographs if possible of the crash scene including the damaged portions of the vehicle/s; any noticeable injuries like bruises and wounds; and the surroundings and other details that may serve as evidence in your future filing of charges. Camera phones are a great device to have at all times.
• Get medical attention immediately for proper documentation of any possible injuries.

Two to four days from the crash:

• Consult attorneys with expertise in transportation to properly assess of your case. The attorneys of Janet, Jenner, & Suggs have over 30 years of nationwide experience as well as the experts and resources to take a case from discovery of evidence to a settlement or trial. The bottom line is making sure the victim and family will have current and future medical care and other needs provided for as well as any other compensation the family should receive for their disability or loss.
• Ask about deadlines. All states have statutes of limitations or deadlines for reporting and filing claims. An attorney will be able to advise you and keep you from missing any key dates.
• Do not talk to the other parties or their insurance companies regarding the crash or any injuries unless advised by your attorney. What you say, even seemingly innocent details, may be used against you. While you are recovering or possibly even grieving, be assured that potential defendants are already locating witnesses, working with insurance and government investigators, and coordinating their defense against any claims.
• Do not sign any papers other than the law enforcement report without an attorney's advice.
• Take your vehicle out of the storage area if at all possible, because valuable evidence may be destroyed or lost. An attorney can help you with this.
• Have further medical examinations from experts such as neurologists, orthopedic doctors and physical therapists. Their findings may serve as vital evidence for injuries. Unfortunately, chiropractors do not carry the same weight.
• Take note of all the things that happened in the crash including its effects on life and property. This will help build your case and give you more credibility with your statements especially if the case goes to trial.
• Keep “all” the records and receipts relating to the crash and give them to your attorney.
• Do not hide information and always tell the truth. Violate these two rules and the defense attorneys will be armed with a valuable weapon to attack the case and undermine the true value of the injuries. Especially important is to reveal any previous medical conditions to your attorney.

Copyright © 2007 Janet, Jenner & Suggs, LLC, Attorneys At Law.
Attorneys admitted in multiple states and the District of Columbia. Practicing nationwide on a Pro Haec Vice basis.
Law Offices in: Maryland • South Carolina • North Carolina • Washington, D,C. • Pennsylvania • Georgia • Minnesota 
The facts of every case are different and prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome on any particular case. Additional information and representative cases handled by Janet, Jenner & Suggs, LLC are available on www.MedLawLegalTeam.com and will be provided to you free of charge upon request.