Last Updated: Sep 23, 2011
Read Time: 2 mins
Law FAQ: What should I do if I’m seriously injured in a car wreck?
We have a helpful list of DOs & DON’Ts in the Auto Accident FAQ section of our website. Here are a few examples:
DO — call the police and be courteous to the other driver and any emergency personnel who come to the accident scene. If the other driver is confrontational or angry, then stay in your vehicle and wait for the police to arrive.
DON’T — move your vehicle until instructed by emergency personnel.
DO — report the accident to your own auto insurance carrier immediately. Our lawyers can handle this for you after we have been retained. (Click here to read more info about your own UM coverage, and click here for more info about not having to worry about your rates going up simply by submitting a UM claim to your own insurance carrier.)
DON’T — make comments at the accident scene or to insurance adjusters like “I’m okay” or “I’m not hurt.” A few days may pass before the full extent of your injuries are known or even felt, particularly with neck and back injuries, and your attempt to be helpful may be taken out of context. Indeed, a common tactic for insurance company adjusters is to try to contact you shortly after the accident to record a statement before you fully appreciate the extent of your injuries. Let your medical reports do the talking for you.
DO — hire an experienced, knowledgeable lawyer to assist you early on. While it is certainly possible to handle your own claim, the question is whether you are truly competent to do so. Remember that insurance adjusters handle personal injury claims for a living. They are trained and have considerable resources at their disposable to use against you, and their job function is to limit any payouts made by their company. You may not even know when the deck is stacked against you, and you deserve a level playing field to make sure that you are treated fairly.
Patterson Bray
20+ Years of Experience
24/7 Call Answering
Nashville & Memphis Offices
Reach out to Patterson Bray and an attorney will follow up with you soon.
Posted on GoogleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We’ve had an outstanding experience with this firm across multiple needs, including trust document creation and forming an LLC. From start to finish, they were professional and proactive. They made sure we understood every step of the process and checked in to confirm our preferences, as well as offering thoughtful alternatives whenever something didn’t feel like a good fit. That level of communication and attention to detail is rare. Every interaction built confidence that we were in the right hands. They not only handled the legal work effectively, but also made the entire process feel manageable and well-guided. We cannot recommend them highly enough and will absolutely continue using them in the future.Posted on GoogleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Attorney Judith Denham and her legal assistant, Gaby Wright, made a great team in creating a trust for me. Judith explained everything in a clear, cohesive way and set up a trust in a timely manner. She gave me a binder for my trust with all the legal paperwork sectioned off in tabs so I can find things easily. When I had questions, Judith and Gaby were responsive and helpful. I give them my highest recommendation.Posted on GoogleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I am so pleased with my new relationship with Judith Dunham and her fantastic team! They helped me create a Trust and end of life documents that I understand and feel very comfortable with. It’s a relief to have this life task well updated and I’m very grateful to Judith, Gabby and the whole team! If you’re looking for very professional, reliable assistance with these type documents, they are wonderful!Posted on GoogleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This website was clear and easy to navigate. It does a good job of explaining services and further supports itself with testimonials.Posted on GoogleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had a few (what I would consider) silly questions to ask the legal team at Patterson Bray PLLC. Having very little knowledge of the situation I needed clarity on, I had no idea what to expect. I was met with nothing but professionalism and warmth from attorney Rachel Meadows. She gave me information I didn’t even remotely consider, and my questions were thoroughly answered without judgement. She could have certainly given me less detailed responses, but I felt that she genuinely cared about my situation, and appreciated her taking me seriously. I’m extremely impressed with the service I received from this law firm and will happily recommend it.Posted on GoogleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. After bringing up my specific legal issue, I was quickly and throughly informed on how to get started with hiring an attorney as well as informed on whether or not I have a claim to begin with. They answered all of my questions professionally to a point that I feel extremely satisfied with using their services.Posted on GoogleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very clearly explained their pricing structure. Rachel was wonderful to speak with.Posted on GoogleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Carlisle Dale was very helpful with Estate Planning; outlined strategy, estimates and followed-up promptly with well organized deliverables. Thank you!
comes next.
