Every year, literally millions of people are injured in motor vehicle accidents. Unfortunately, many of those injured are unaware of their rights or don’t know what to do in such a situation.

In the event you are involved in a motor vehicle accident it is important you follow a few basic rules:

STOP THE CAR and determine the nature, extent and severity of the damages or injuries;

SECURE THE ACCIDENT SITE so no other vehicles become involved. Put on your blinkers, light a road flare and use other warning devices to alert others as to the potential for injury;

CHECK ON THOSE THAT ARE INJURED. Don't attempt to move them unless there is an immediate need to do so because of an imminent fire, explosion or some other peril; and

CONTACT THE POLICE. Tell them why the other party is at fault. Obtain the names and addresses of all witnesses and describe all injuries which you suffered.

IF YOUR INJURIES ARE OF A SIGNIFICANT ENOUGH NATURE, you should be transported by ambulance to the nearest hospital.

YOU SHOULD IMMEDIATELY BEGIN TO KEEP A DIARY OF ALL MATTERS which affect you as a result of your accident (i.e. pain and discomfort experienced, doctor appointments, expenses incurred, sleepless nights, any missed work and any problems which you experience as a result of your injuries).

IF YOU HAVE SUSTAINED ANY VISIBLE INJURIES, you or another person should take pictures of those injuries at regular intervals to properly depict the nature and extent of those injuries over time.

IF YOUR VISIBLE INJURIES ARE OF A SERIOUS ENOUGH NATURE, your treating physician should also document those injuries. You should check to see if your doctor has created a photographic record of your injuries or suggest that your doctor do so.

REPORT THE ACCIDENT TO YOUR AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE CARRIER if your vehicle was involved in the accident. Before speaking with either the other party's insurance company or giving a statement to your insurance company you should contact an attorney from our office.

IN AN EFFORT TO DETAIL THE SEVERITY OF THE CRASH it is advisable to take pictures of the vehicles involved in the accident. It is also a good idea to keep a copy of the repair estimate to your vehicle to further demonstrate the damage done by the crash. Knowing and utilizing your rights in an accident can affect your potential recovery.

IF YOU HAVE RECEIVED PERSONAL INJURIES as a result of the accident you are entitled to be compensated for your losses. These losses typically include payments for medical bills, lost wages (past and future), payment for disabilities, damages for pain and suffering, and loss of life's activities and may include a claim for spousal loss of consortium.

PRIOR TO ATTEMPTING TO SETTLE A CASE FOR PERSONAL INJURIES, it is necessary for the injured party to reach maximum medical improvement. Maximum medical improvement is that point in time when your treating physician advises you that there is nothing more he/she can do for you to improve your medical situation.

ONCE MAXIMUM MEDICAL IMPROVEMENT IS ACHIEVED, a final medical report can be obtained indicating the degree of disability suffered. A competent personal injury attorney can then properly evaluate your case by looking at factors such as liability, economic and non-economic damages, such as: medical bills; out of pocket expenditures and expenses; past and future lost wages; the extent and duration of your pain and suffering; the nature and extent of your loss of life's activities; your disability rating; and loss of consortium, if applicable.

IF YOU ARE CONSIDERING PURSUING A CLAIM against the responsible party it is important that you contact us immediately. Each state has its own statute of limitations date on personal injury cases medical malpractice cases. In other words, you must either settle your case or commence suit prior to the expiration of the statute of limitations. In certain situations, for example claims against municipalities, there is a much shorter notice provision which must be followed to properly preserve any claim. These time requirements are strictly adhered to by the courts and a late filing or late or defective notice could result in your case being dismissed by the court.

The above information is only a brief summary of some of the basic items which should be addressed in a personal injury case. There are a great number of other instructions which should be followed in such a case. Not knowing your rights or proceeding without the proper representation could severely prejudice your case.

It is very important that you contact a Free Lawyer Referral site like SelectCounsel.com at the earliest possible moment, so that you can arrange to get one of the best lawyers in your area to protect your rights and to help maximize the amount of money your recover.

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