When Should I Contact an Auto Accident Attorney?
If you have been involved in a motor vehicle accident, you probably have a lot going through your head. Am I injured? Was the accident my fault? Is anybody else involved in the accident injured? Is my insurance company going to pay for the damages?
You deserve to focus all of your attention on your recovery. That is why you should reach out to a motor vehicle accident attorney who can help you navigate this process.
So, what are a few examples of situations where you need to reach out to a car accident attorney?
If You Are Filing an Insurance Claim
The first situation where you should reach out to a motor vehicle accident attorney is if you are filing an insurance claim. Regardless of whether you are filing an insurance claim with your insurance company or another party's insurance company, you should hire an attorney who can make sure this process proceeds smoothly.
Furthermore, if the accident was not your fault, and the other driver does not have any car insurance, you might have recourse from your own insurer, and a qualified attorney can help with this. You do not want to say or do anything that could jeopardize the chances of your insurance claim getting paid out. Therefore, if you plan on filing an insurance claim, you should consider reaching out to an attorney early in the process.
If You Have Been Injured
If you have suffered an injury in a car accident, the first thing you need to do is visit the emergency room. Call 911, ask for emergency medical personnel to come to the scene, and make sure they evaluate you on the way to the hospital.
Once you are feeling up to it, reach out to an attorney who can review your case. If you were admitted to the hospital and before you leave, you should request copies of your medical records. This will be important for supporting your claimed damages. If you don't obtain records right away, your personal injury attorney can help you with that process, which can be unexpectedly complicated and lengthy (even though they're your records).
If You Have Questions About the Fault of the Accident
When you are involved in a serious motor vehicle accident, you should call the police to the scene the police to come to the scene. The police will be responsible for documenting evidence of the accident. If there is no police report pertaining to the accident, you may have a difficult time proving that the other party was liable. When the police arrive, to the extent appropriate, they will assign fault for the accident.
If the police report blames you for an accident that you believe is not your fault, a consultation with a motor vehicle collision lawyer is a good place to start. The lawyer can take a look at the evidence from the accident, interview witnesses, and analyze whether you have a strong chance to hold the other party liable. Rely on a motor vehicle accident lawyer to ensure your rights are defended.
If You Received a Ticket
Finally, if you have received a ticket following a motor vehicle accident, you need to retain a lawyer who can help you. An accident is already a very stressful situation, and adding a traffic ticket on top of it can make matters worse. Some auto accident attorneys may also be able to help defend your rights as they relate to your traffic ticket.
Work With a Car Accident Attorney Who Can Help You
Ultimately, these are just a few of the many situations where you should reach out to a motor vehicle accident attorney. No matter how minor you think the accident might have been, experienced legal counsel in your corner can help make sure you're made whole. While your car accident attorney handles your paperwork, records, and negotiations, you can focus all of your attention on recovering after the collision.
Please be advised that this is provided for general information purposes only. No attorney-client relationship is formed by the provision of this information. The best resource for information about your case is consulting an attorney.