You may already be aware of the standard protocol after a car wreck: survey the crash scene, check on all parties involved, and call 911 if someone sustains a serious injury.

Then, exchange insurance information with the other driver, call the police, take pictures of the crash scene, and speak to witness. You may then seek medical attention for a minor injury or an injury you may not be aware even exists.

What if you were severely injured and couldn't take any of these standard steps? What if you sustained a serious head injury and can't recall what happened?

The actions you take immediately after a crash can have a profound impact on your claim. If you can't take those actions, you will need a highly-skilled attorney on your side who can do the investigating for you.

How can a car accident attorney help me if I've been severely injured?

Many of our clients have suffered:

• Serious bone fractures
• Spinal chord injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Organ damage
• Paralysis

Recovery from a severe injury can take several months, even years. During this time, you will likely not be able to attend work or engage in activities you enjoy.

Your attorney can help you by:

• Determining the true value of your claim: Your attorney will tally up your medical bills, wage loss, property damage or loss, as well as pain, suffering, and punitive damages.
• Tracking down and speaking to witnesses: Witness statements will strongly support your claim. If any witnesses were available at the crash scene, the police officer who responded likely spoke to them. Your attorney may be able to track down witnesses and ask them what they saw.
• Obtain additional evidence: Crash scenes often contain physical evidence. This could be tire marks in the road and damage to roadside structures, as well as evidence of DUI and digital evidence, in distracted driving cases.
• Negotiate for a fair settlement: If someone else's negligent or reckless behavior caused your injuries, there is absolutely no reason why you should have to pay out of your own pocket. The at-fault driver's insurance provider is responsible for that. The insurance companies will use every trick in the book to avoid compensating you. The Law Offices of Gary Martin Hays & Associates will urge the insurance companies to do the right thing and be ready to go to trial if they fail to do so.

How can I consult with a car accident lawyer?

Whether you're at home recovering, or lying in a hospital bed, you can count on The Law Offices of Gary Martin Hays & Associates to put your needs first.

All you have to do is contact us online and one of our attorneys will get back to you. We can even meet with you in your home or at the hospital where you are being treated. Our consultations are free of charge.