If you’ve been involved in a car accident, the last thing you want to do is deal with the aftermath yourself. If you don’t have legal representation, it’s almost impossible to ensure everything goes smoothly from here on out.
This article will help you understand why you need an attorney to help you after a car crash.
What to do after a car accident
If you have been involved in a car collision, these are some things you can do.
- Call 911.
- Stay calm and assess the situation.
- Get the other driver’s information, including their name, address, and insurance information, if possible (if you don’t know it).
Determining fault
If you are injured in a car accident, it is essential to determine who caused the accident. If someone else’s negligence caused your injuries, then you may be able to recover damages from them. In some cases, this can even include compensation for medical expenses related to your injuries and lost wages due to time off work because of your injuries.
If there’s no evidence of negligence (e.g., no skid marks or other signs that indicate someone was speeding), then it’s unlikely that this person will be held liable for their role in causing another person harm.
However, you should desist from trying to excuse the other party or determine who’s at fault yourself. You may not be in the right frame of mind to do so. An attorney can help you determine who is at fault and other necessary procedures that may be required.
How to file a car accident claim
After you’ve sought medical attention, report the accident. It’s vital to get a copy of both police reports. You may also want to request copies of any other documents that contain information about your case.
After reporting the accident and obtaining all necessary documentation, it’s time to consult with a car accident lawyer. They will contact the insurance company for you to make sure they don’t offer you the absolute minimum compensation.
When filing a car accident claim with an insurance company, your car accident attorney will:
- Report what happened (including how many cars were involved)
- Give them accurate details about what happened during the incident, including names and addresses of each person involved (driver/passenger/pedestrian)
- Negotiate the settlement amounts
You should consider hiring an attorney after a car accident
You should consider hiring an attorney after a car accident if:
- You are not sure who is at fault or whether there was any wrongdoing. An experienced attorney can help you determine who is responsible for your injuries and how to proceed with a claim against that person or company.
- You are unsure what to do after an accident, such as whether to file police reports or seek medical treatment from the other party’s insurance company.
- You should hire an attorney after a car accident because it is essential to have a lawyer take care of all the legal details of your case so that the insurance companies can’t punish you for something you didn’t do. Also, if you don’t hire an attorney, the other driver’s insurance company will probably try to lowball you on their settlement offer because they know that most people won’t fight them or have the funds available to pay them what they’re asking for at this point. They’ll settle out of court and walk away with millions while you’re left feeling like there’s no justice in this world.
- Another reason why hiring an attorney is so important is because it may be difficult for someone who isn’t familiar or experienced with legal terminology and proceedings—or even worse, illiterate—to understand what’s going on during negotiations between attorneys and insurers.
Good car accident lawyers will ensure that all of your options are explored thoroughly before making any decisions about them.
Conclusion
After a car accident, it’s essential to know what your legal rights are. The best way to ensure you get the compensation you deserve is by hiring an attorney who has experience in this field and knows how to represent your interests.