auto accident lawyerA competent Auto Accident Lawyer should be contacted for advice as soon as possible after the incident (even at the scene, if the accident is serious). Each year in the U.S., there are more than 6 million car accidents, with nearly 3 million people injured, or killed. If you are involved in an auto accident, an auto accident lawyer can answer a great many questions (especially about compensation for injuries and property damage). Whether it’s a minor “fender bender” or a major accident involving severe injury, traffic accidents can be physically and emotionally devastating.

Insurance companies have large teams of attornies that work exclusively on car accident cases. Their goal is to protect their company’s bottom line. If you do not enlist an auto accident lawyer to represent and guide you, you could be at a clear disadvantage in trying to receive the damages you deserve. Besides, you may need to focus on getting back on your feet after an accident, and not the pressures of dealing with insurance companies.

While it may not be easy, it is essential that you remain calm after an auto accident. The actions you take, particularly at the scene of the accident, can have a major impact on the amount of damages you are entitled to from car insurance companies. This is especially true if the other driver was at fault.

Steps that you should take to strengthen your case for personal injury damages:

  • At once after the accident, determine your injuries and those of others concerned.
  • Call the police.
  • Obtain medical treatment at the scene of the accident if you feel there is even a slight chance that you have been injured. Some injuries do not surface for days or even weeks after a car crash, however, refusing medical treatment at the scene can harm your chances of collecting all of the damages you may be entitled to.
  • Swap information with the other drivers. Get names, driver’s license and license plate numbers, insurance information and contact information.
  • Take photos of the traffic accident scene. Cell phone cameras work splendidly for this.
  • Get names and contact information of any witnesses.
  • Remain at the accident scene until the police say it’s okay to leave.
  • Be careful when discussing the accident with other involved. Do not apologize! That can be used against you as an admission of guilt.
  • Report the accident to your auto insurance company, even if you don’t intend to make a claim against your own policy.
  • Don’t make any written or recorded statement, either to your own insurance company or that of the other driver, until you have talked it over with an experienced car accident lawyer.
  • Write down details as soon as possible after the accident, and include road conditions, weather, traffic signs, other traffic around, and other potential causes of the accident.
  • Keep detailed records of your medical costs and other expenses associated with the accident.

If you are injured in an auto accident and the other driver does not have insurance, your own car insurance company may cover your expenses (if your policies include Personal Injury Protection or Uninsured Motorist Protection). If your insurance company denies your valid request for payment of medical expenses and damages, you may be able to sue for breach of contract. You will need an experienced car crash lawyer on your side to win this type of case. In general, when you are injured in a car accident and the accident was caused by another party, you have a case, especially if alcohol or drugs were involved, and if there was significant injuries and major vehicle damage.

It is common practice for an auto insurance company to request a recorded statement of the “accident details” early in the claims process. A personal injury lawyer will advise you NOT to make any written or recorded statements until you have consulted with an auto accident lawyer about your case. These statements can be used against you and seriously impact your ability to obtain compensation.

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