Burkam Fuller & Herzog

Straight Talk About...Automobile Accidents

What do I do if I have been involved in an automobile accident? Most automobile insurance companies provide a checklist to clients which go through exactly what should occur immediately after an accident. First and foremost, any person involved in the accident who needs medical attention should get that attention. Sometimes injuries are not immediately apparent, and it is always wise to be examined by a doctor as soon after the accident as possible.

Most automobile accidents involve both property damage and, in some instances, personal injury. Property damage can usually be handled between you and your insuarance company and/or the insurance company for the other driver. The issue of physical injury as a result of an automobile accident is much more complex.

First and foremost, get medical attention and follow the advice of your doctor. Keep copies of all of your medical bills and keep a diary of the problems you experience as a result of the accident and how your recovery progresses. Don't go to the doctor needlessly, but if you are experiencing pain or problems, see your doctor early and often so that your recovery can proceed as smoothly as possible.

If you have been injured in an automobile accident, you may be entitled to compensation if the accident was caused by a third party. A lawyer who handles these sorts of claims will need to know the facts and circumstances leading up to the accident to determine whose negligence resulted in injury, either in the form of new injuries or the aggravation of a pre-existing condition. If you have been harmed by the negligence of others as part of an automobile accident, you may be able to recover not only your medical expenses, but compensation for pain and suffering as well. As soon as you are physically able to get in to see your lawyer, discuss the accident with them. In most cases, lawyers who handle these sorts of things will handle it on a contingent-fee basis. This means that you will not have to pay the lawyer anything unless the lawyer is able to help you recover damages from the party who caused the accident.

At Burkam, Fuller & Herzog, our job is to deal with the insurance companies and the insurance company's lawyers. Your job is to get well. Hopefully, we can help you put your life back together.