By Ty McDuffey, J.D. | Legally reviewed by Katrina Wilson, Esq. | Last reviewed June 30, 2023
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Car accidents are frightening events and can be a big disruption to your life. Someone may have been severely injured, or you could have lost the use of your car.
In these situations, one of the last things on your mind might be shopping for a lawyer. But an attorney can help you recover money for your damaged property and medical expenses.
This article will cover what you need to know about getting legal help after a car accident.
Assuming you are healthy enough, before leaving the scene of your car accident, you should collect:
You should also collect the names, addresses, and phone numbers of any potential witnesses.
Even if you feel fine immediately after an accident, seek medical attention ASAP. Some injuries may not be apparent right away but could manifest later.
By seeking medical attention, you can establish a record of any injuries sustained in the accident. This documentation can support your claims and help establish the extent of your damages.
Selecting an experienced attorney can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Research attorneys by reviewing their track records, areas of expertise, and client testimonials. Choose someone who specializes in personal injury or traffic accident cases. They will be more familiar with the intricacies and nuances of this type of claim.
Whether you had a fender-bender or were part of a huge pileup, you may need the help of an experienced attorney to resolve your claims or defend yourself against accusations that arise in the aftermath of an accident.
When you meet with an attorney to discuss your accident, prepare to give them the information necessary to make a preliminary assessment of your case. Prepare to discuss the incident in detail.
To provide your attorney with a strong foundation for your case, gather as much evidence as possible. Take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any property damage. Document any lost wages or expenses incurred due to the accident. Get copies of medical records, police reports, and other relevant documentation. The more comprehensive your evidence, the better your attorney can build your case.
Your discussion with an attorney should include all information needed to understand the situation. This includes:
This information can be found in the police report. It will help determine who is at fault for the accident and whether there may be defenses invoked by the negligent party.
You should inform your attorney if the police were called to the scene, whether a police report was filed, and if traffic violations were issued to any of the involved parties. The attorney will also want to know:
The identity and contact information of witnesses is also helpful. This information helps determine whether it will be easy or difficult to establish that your version of events took place, or if another party is likely to prevail in advancing their story.
There is evidence that will impact the amount likely to be recovered. This includes information about:
Assessments of your property damage, repair estimates, and other documents that calculate your financial loss may also be useful to show the strong impact of the accident and validate the injuries received.
Car insurance plays a huge role in the aftermath of an automobile accident.
In some cases, the driver responsible for the accident may not have insurance, or their insurance coverage may be insufficient to cover the damages caused. In these situations, your own insurance policy may provide coverage for uninsured or underinsured motorists. Your attorney can go over the coverage options in your policy to make sure you receive proper compensation.
After a motor vehicle accident, you will likely be in contact with the other driver's insurance company. Remember that insurance adjusters are primarily concerned with minimizing their company's financial exposure.
Be careful when providing information to the adjuster. Avoid making statements that could be used against you in your personal injury claim.
The claims process can be overwhelming, especially when you're dealing with injuries and property damage. However, an experienced car accident attorney can help you communicate with insurance adjusters and negotiate a fair settlement. They will also advise you on your options if the insurance company denies your claim or offers a low settlement figure.
To build a strong car accident claim, gather all medical bills, repair estimates, and photographs of the accident scene and damages. Providing this information to your car accident lawyer and the insurance company can help substantiate your auto accident claim and increase the likelihood of a favorable outcome in a personal injury case.
Below, we will go over some frequently asked questions about car accident injuries. Remember, an attorney can answer these questions and more during a free case evaluation.
If you were involved in a car crash, speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer for legal representation. An auto accident attorney can help you maximize your recovery if you're injured or defend you if you're at fault. Many accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means that your lawyer only receives a fee if you're awarded damages or receive a settlement.
Get an initial consultation from an experienced car accident attorney. Don't wait to get legal advice about your car accident case.
Get tailored legal advice and ask a lawyer questions about your accident. Many attorneys offer free consultations.