If you were involved in a car accident in Stockton, California, you should first and foremost prioritize your health before considering legal action. Once you are transported to the hospital and get well enough, you should then consider contacting a car accident lawyer In Stockton to help you with your case.
Taking an ambulance after an accident is essential not only for your health but it will also help your personal injury case.
Why You Should Accept Medical Care
Car accidents are traumatic experiences that leave victims shocked and unsteady. The adrenaline levels go up, and no matter what injuries they might suffer, their bodies no longer send pain signals to indicate they are hurt.
Because of this, many car accident victims often treat their wounds superficially and might even refuse a medical checkup. However, doing so can have dire consequences on your health and personal injury claim.
Various injuries, even severe ones such as traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), don’t always manifest right away. These types of injuries are notorious since they often have complications and, in some instances, are life-threatening.
On the other hand, the moment someone refuses medical aid, they leave themselves vulnerable to the claim that their injuries aren’t serious. This can be used against them if they later decide to file a personal injury claim.
Taking an ambulance after a car accident is a good idea, especially if you want to pursue a personal injury claim. However, before the ambulance arrives, you should take photos of the accident scene and write down the contact information of eyewitnesses, the other parties involved, and license plate numbers.
This will help you later when you file a personal injury claim. After the ambulance takes you to the hospital, you should take note of all the expenses attributed to your hospitalization. Everything related to your injuries and care, including out-of-pocket expenses, will be used in your personal injury claim to receive compensation.
Contact a Personal Injury Layer
Once you are able, you should contact a personal injury lawyer for a consultation on your case. Apart from the tangible damages associated with your injuries, medical expenses, and property damage, you are also entitled to receive compensation for your intangible damages, such as pain and suffering, emotional anguish, PTSD, etc.
A personal injury lawyer will take note of all of your troubles and include them in your claim. While you rest and heal, they will prepare your case, talk to witnesses, review police and medical reports, and if needed, hire accident reconstruction experts to prove negligence. Lastly, a personal injury lawyer will negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf so that you receive the compensation that you deserve for all your losses.