When a car accident happens, it can have a ripple effect on every area of your life. Not only are you dealing with injuries and damage to your vehicle, but these problems can take a financial toll in many unexpected ways. While you are focusing on your recovery and getting your life back on track again, the best thing you can do is reach out to a car accident lawyer for assistance. You need an advocate who will help you access the financial support that you deserve.
The most immediate concerns are usually focused on your physical safety. Medical care is the priority, even if the injuries seem minor. At the same time, the unseen legal implications can also take a toll, which is why it makes sense to call a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.
Why Legal Assistance is Necessary After a Car Accident
Even if the accident seems pretty straightforward, the reality is that there can be serious legal consequences for everyone involved. You need to be sure that liability can be proven. Otherwise, you might find yourself in the situation of carrying the financial responsibilities when you were not at-fault for the accident.
Keep in mind that financial compensation will be covered by the party at fault. If you were the victim in the accident and hit by the other driver with no fault of your own, then the person responsible should be paying for your associated medical costs, lost wages, and more.
The problem is that insurance companies are working hard to minimize the amount of money they will need to pay. One strategy is to shift responsibility to other people involved. If you aren’t proactive about building your case with an experienced accident attorney, then there is a possibility that the insurance company might try to prove that you were the one liable – in an attempt to avoid paying you money for the accident. The right legal assistance can minimize this risk and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Immediate Steps to Take at the Scene of the Crime
Safety is always the highest priority when an accident happens. Before you call a car accident attorney, you need to be sure that your medical needs are being taken care of. Often, there can be life-threatening injuries, which is why the most important thing you can do is call for emergency services.
Emergency responders will arrive on site and assess the situation. If there is bleeding or urgent medical concerns, then they will act quickly to save your life and minimize the risk of more serious health complications. You will be taken to a nearby hospital for further evaluation, which is an essential step to protect your health and ensure that all of the injuries are documented.
Other steps that need to happen at the accident scene include:
- Call the authorities and stay at the scene until the police report is complete.
- Exchange information with the other drivers and any witnesses in the area (names, contact information, insurance, vehicle details, etc.).
- Take photos and videos of the accident scene, including the vehicles, injuries, property damage, and more.
- Never admit fault. Remember that anything you say could potentially be used against you, which is why it’s best to talk to a car accident attorney before talking to anyone else.
Tips for Working with the Insurance Companies
After the accident, you will need to file an accident claim and/or injury claim with the appropriate insurance companies. This paperwork needs to be detailed and accurate to ensure that you can receive the compensation you need, which is why it’s smart to seek professional legal services for insurance claim assistance.
Remember that the insurance adjuster is looking for any reason they can shift fault and reduce the amount of money that will be paid out in the case. Your point of contact from the insurance company might make it sound like they are working to help you. But their job is to protect the company’s interests – this insurance adjuster is not on your side.
Never share details with the insurance company without first contacting your car accident attorney. Don’t sign any paperwork or accept a settlement unless you have talked to a legal expert. You don’t want to be leaving money on the table, which is why you need to hire a personal injury attorney for assistance.
In addition to working with the insurance company for the driver at fault, you will also want to notify your own insurance company. Your lawyer can help with all of these steps, as well as the negotiations and court proceedings (if necessary).
FAQ
What to do legally after a car accident with injuries?
Medical attention is the first priority. Then, as soon as you are able, reach out to an experienced car accident attorney for help with the next steps.
How to protect yourself legally after a car accident with an uninsured driver?
You don’t need to carry the financial burden alone. Talk to an experienced lawyer to learn more about your options when the driver at fault is uninsured. There might be options to file a lawsuit or seek compensation in another way.
What evidence to collect after a car accident for legal purposes?
Collect as much evidence as possible, including photos, videos, written statements, copies of the police reports, and medical documentation. The more evidence you collect, the better equipped your lawyer is to build a strong case on your behalf.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a car accident?
The statute of limitations depends on your location and where the car accident happened. In most cases, it makes sense to file your claim as soon as possible.
Call the Experts for Legal Assistance
Do you need to talk to a car accident lawyer? Whether you’ve been in a car accident or you know someone who has been injured, seeking legal help is essential to ensure that you receive fair compensation. Call Wormington & Bollinger to learn more about available legal services. Contact us at your convenience to schedule a consultation.