There are millions of car accidents in the United States every year. Many of these are simple fender-benders that result in little to no injuiry. Others, however, are very serious and can necessitate long-term medical intervention, make working impossible, and cause extreme pain and suffering.
Minor car accidents can be handled through insurance. Serious car accidents should not.
Life-altering car accidents are seldom handled appropriately by insurance companies. Fair compensation typically requires the attention of an experienced attorney.
What to do After a Car Accident
What you do after a car accident will impact your ability to seek compensation through legal action. If you can:
- Get the driver’s license number, contact and insurance information from all involved drivers
- Collect the vehicle license plate number and VINs of all involved vehicles
- Obtain contact information from all witnesses
- Take pictures of the accident from multiple angles
- Cooperate with emergency personnel and file a police report
- Contact your insurance company to report the accident
As soon as you are released from the scene, call your physician and schedule a comprehensive evaluation. There are some injuries, such as TBI or spinal cord injuries, that may not produce immediate symptoms. When allowed to progress, these injuries can have catastrophic and lifelong consequences.
When Action on the Scene is Impossible
If your injuries were severe enough to prohibit action on the scene of the accident, your attorney will gather the information needed for a thorough investigation. Taking action on the scene of an accident can assist with documentation and provide important information to your lawyer, but this information can be obtained elsewhere – although perhaps not to the same extent – in the days and weeks following your accident.
Your Legal Options
Some of the most common causes of car accidents are:
- Driver distraction. Cellphone use, eating and drinking, personal grooming, changing the radio, adjusting onboard electronics, and using GPS causes inattention. Intention causes accidents
- Driver intoxication. This can include illicit drugs and alcohol, but also prescription medications and legalized marijuana
- Driver Aggression. Tailgating, erratic lane changes, sudden braking, speeding, weaving in and out of traffic, and other aggressive and reckless behaviors often cause car accidents
- Vehicle defects. Faulty gas pedals, ignition switches, airbags, tires, brakes, and other defective engine and component parts injure and kill hundreds of people yearly
- Road defects. Poorly designed roadways, improperly marked construction zones, and inadequate street maintenance pose a threat to all drivers
Depending on the cause of your accident, your options may be limited, but even if you played a role, you may be entitled to recover a portion of the damages. This is something that can be discussed in greater detail during your free case review with a qualified attorney.
When you are injured in an accident caused by someone else, you have several options. You can elect to work directly with an insurance company, you can file a personal injury claim on your own, or you can hire an attorney to represent you. In many cases, the latter will produce the best results.
Having a car accident lawyer on your side helps ensure that your accident is thoroughly investigated, all liable parties are identified, and the full compensation you are due is sought. Going it alone or relying on the generosity of insurance companies makes you vulnerable to their whims. Having a car accident lawyer on your side helps protect your best interests and allows you to seek maximum compensation.
What About Uninsured Drivers?
If you have uninsured motorist coverage, claims against uninsured drivers can be filed with your own carrier. If you do not, things can become complicated.
As in all situations, the best course of action when you are injured in a car accident is contacting a lawyer to discuss your options.
- Car Accident Damages
- Damages in a car accident may include:
- Medical and rehabilitation costs
- Current and future lost wages
- Physical pain
- Emotional suffering
Property damage and all related economic losses can be included in your car accident claim as well. During your one-on-one case review, your car accident attorney will assess your damages and help you understand what your case may be worth.
Call Our Office for a Complimentary Case Review
To schedule your free case evaluation with one of our car accident lawyers, please call our office right away. We fight for victims of serious injury living throughout the region.
