If you’re involved in a car accident (even a minor one), you may be left feeling confused, scared, and unsure of what to do next. After all, when we learn how to drive, no one really covers what to do in the event of an accident. And with millions of car accidents happening every year in the United States, you may need to call an auto accident lawyer one day.
But how do you know if you really need to call a lawyer after a car accident? In many cases, you may just want the whole incident to be over with as soon as possible. Why would you want to make things more complicated by hiring a lawyer? However, after a car accident, you’ll probably be glad you did end up making that call.
Here, we’re taking a closer look at what to do after an auto accident. We walk you through some of the important steps to take and discuss why you should definitely consider calling an experienced car wreck attorney after an accident.
WHERE DO AUTO ACCIDENTS OCCUR MOST OFTEN?
No matter where or when you’re driving, there’s always the potential for an auto accident. In fact, each year in the United States, there are roughly 6 million car accidents. While not all these accidents are fatal, they can still lead to serious injuries and costly repairs.
While each car accident is unique, there are common factors that lead to the majority of crashes. To help you be prepared when you’re behind the wheel, here’s a look at where auto accidents occur most frequently:
· Intersections.
· Stoplights.
· Rural areas.
· Parking lots.
· Close to home (most fatal car accidents happen within 25 miles of your home).
WHAT TO DO AFTER A CAR ACCIDENT
In the event of a car accident, there are certain steps you should take to ensure your safety, the safety of others, and to make sure you gather the necessary information to file a claim with your insurance company. Additionally, if you do end up needing an auto accident attorney and you choose to file a suit, there are specific things you can do to strengthen your case and raise your chances of receiving fair and full compensation.
Here’s a look at what to do after a car accident:
· Check for injuries: before anything else, check yourself and any passengers for serious injuries. Even in what seems like a minor crash, serious injuries may occur. If someone is seriously injured, call 911 immediately.
· Get to a safe place: if there are no serious injuries, move your car to a safe place on the side of the road or a parking lot if there’s one nearby. If your car is inoperable, exit the vehicle and get yourself and any passengers to a safe space. This will not only protect you, but also other drivers.
· Call 911: once you’re in a safe location, call 911. This quick but important call will ensure that police and paramedics (if necessary) arrive on the scene to help. The police will file an official accident report and make the scene of the accident safe for oncoming drivers.
· Exchange insurance information: while waiting for the police, you can use this time to exchange insurance information with the other driver. If pressured, don’t feel like you need to give them more than your insurance and basic contact information. Never admit fault to the other driver.
· Gather evidence: evidence will prove critical if you end up filing a lawsuit. Take pictures of your car, any other vehicles, and the scene of the accident. Take as many pictures as you can as these may prove important. You can also briefly talk with any eyewitnesses who saw the crash occur.
SHOULD I CALL A LAWYER AFTER AN AUTO ACCIDENT?
CONCLUSION – SHOULD I CALL A LAWYER AFTER AN AUTO ACCIDENT?
Scared, confused, and shaken—this is how most people feel immediately following a car accident. After checking yourself and your passengers for injuries (the logical first step) it may be confusing to know what to do next. Move your car to a safe space off to the side of the road and call 911. Even in minor accidents, this call is important for two reasons: bringing paramedics to the scene for injuries and the police to file an official report. If you end up filing a suit over the car accident, this police report becomes an essential piece of objective evidence.
After calling 911 and sharing your insurance information with the other driver, you should call an experienced auto accident attorney. A car accident lawyer can help you assess your case, understand your options, and file a suit so that you receive fair compensation for the accident. Even if you’re partially at fault, you may be able to recover some compensation.
Even if you don’t end up filing a suit, an auto accident lawyer can provide vital information and help you make the right choice on what to do next. No matter the severity of your car crash, this call is worth a few minutes of your time.
Following a car accident, you should almost always make that quick call to an experienced and professional car accident lawyer. Even in minor accidents, it can be helpful to reach out to a lawyer who specializes in car accidents to see whether or not their services will be beneficial. Simply getting the right information can take a weight from your shoulders and help you determine your next steps.
If you’re the victim of a car accident, you’ll want an experienced attorney on your side. These professionals will handle your insurance company, other lawyers, and file all the necessary paperwork to begin your suit. If needed, they’ll even take your case to trial to make sure you get the compensation you deserve.
However, there are times when you may not need to call an auto accident lawyer. If there are no injuries or damages to either car, you probably don’t need to call a lawyer. In most of these crashes without injuries or damages, most drivers won’t even see the need to contact their insurance companies. These incidents, while rare, can be chalked up to good luck and serve as a reminder to be more careful on the road.
Deciding whether to call a lawyer after an auto accident is important, and knowing the benefits of legal representation can help. Explore https://munley.com/scranton/car-accidents/ for expert advice on making this decision.
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