Believe it or not, somewhere in the region of six million car accidents happen each year in the United States. These range from a small bump in a supermarket car park to much more serious accidents. Whatever your situation, it is always a good idea to seek legal help after a car accident. 

Got in an Accident?

First thing’s first, make sure everybody’s okay! Be sure to check yourself and your passengers over for any injuries, visible or otherwise. The same goes for anyone else involved, the quicker the damage is found, the better chance of treatment. 

How Did This Happen?

There are sadly many causes of car accidents; this law firm says the top three are drunk, distracted, and drowsy driving. If you are the victim of one of these types of drivers, you absolutely should seek legal counsel. Let’s find out more about what to do after being in a car wreck.

What to Do at the Scene

1. Make It Safe

Firstly, make sure you are safe and not going to cause another accident or hurt anyone else. If you are out of your vehicle, make sure you’re not standing in the middle of a busy road; the last thing we want is someone else joining the accident! Ensure your safety and, if possible, your vehicle’s safety. This first step is paramount to protect the scene.

2. Call The Cops

If there are people hurt or in danger, call 911. If there are no injuries and the accident is less severe, call your local police. You will need a police report moving forward, so it is always a good idea to call the cops straight away. They may need to come and assess the scene before you move on.

3. Note That Evidence

Very important for the rest of the process is making a note of any evidence at the scene. Take pictures of any damage to your car. Also, make sure you have recorded any damage to any other vehicles involved – pictures from the scene will prove what may have been damaged there and then, ensuring no one tries to claim any fresh damages post-incident. Accurately recorded evidence from the scene could really help you out in the long run.

4. Exchange Information

Was there someone else involved in your car accident? Make sure you get their details! Name, contact information, and driver’s license. The police will also do this, but if they are not around, be certain to get these details. Without proper information, your lawyer and the insurance company will struggle to move forward.

5. Seek Medical Help

Even if you feel you have no injuries, or they are minor, it is best to get checked out after an accident. If you do not need to go to the emergency room, you should call your family physician and arrange an appointment within 1-2 days for a full check-up. Whiplash and other common car-related injuries can flare up in the days following an accident.

And Why Call a Lawyer?

Keeping A File

Your lawyer will start to corroborate all of the information taken at the scene. They will combine everything you have recorded with police files and any contact from other parties’ Lawyers. Moving forward, they will then be best placed to get you any help you need.

Compensation

If the accident was someone else’s fault, a good lawyer would be able to get you compensation. Financial effects after a car wreck can be long term. You may need time off work, have large medical bills or car repairs to attend to. A lawyer will assess your situation and help arrange a claim against the other driver’s auto insurance.

No Win, No Fee

Injury compensation lawyers tend to work on a contingency fee basis. This means that if they cannot claim your compensation, you do not owe them money. There is, therefore, no risk to you in seeking legal counsel.

Moving Quickly

Most places have a two-year statute of limitations when dealing with auto claims. Your lawyer will ensure this timeframe is stuck appropriately so that you don’t miss the chance of compensation or lose your legal rights.  Make sure you speak to a lawyer as soon as possible after your accident.

 

Seeking legal advice after an incident on the road is clearly essential for these reasons. If you do not, you risk missing the chance to get compensation and proper treatment. Reach out to a car accident lawyer as soon as possible!