What Should I Do if I Am Hurt in an Accident?
What to Do After an Accident: A Quick Guide
Protect Your Rights
- Don’t sign anything before speaking with an attorney.
- Don’t talk to insurance companies—yours or the other party’s—without legal advice.
- Don’t give statements until you’ve consulted a lawyer.
- Don’t minimize your injuries. Some injuries take time to show their true severity.
Medical Bills: What You Need to Know
You are legally responsible for your own medical bills. However, healthcare providers may attempt to file a lien on your claim and insurers may assert subrogation for benefits paid on your case, seeking reimbursement once you receive a settlement or judgment. Don’t always assume these claims are valid. There are laws pertaining to liens and subrogation that dictate what, if anything, must be repaid.
Why You Shouldn’t Handle Insurance Companies Alone
Insurance companies are not on your side. Their goal is to limit what they pay you—sometimes by twisting your words, pushing low settlements, or denying valid claims. See “What You Need to Know About Insurance Companies” for more detail.
When to Call a Lawyer
Your first step should always be to get medical treatment. After that, contact an attorney as soon as possible. Every case has a statute of limitations, which sets a deadline to file your claim. Missing that deadline means losing your right to compensation. Even if you’re within the time limit, early legal guidance can make a big difference in protecting your case.