Car Accidents

Car accidents are one type of motor vehicle accident that frequently causes property damage, injury, and possibly death. The time after a car accident occurs can often be very stressful and upsetting to deal with because most insurance companies make the process extremely confusing especially if you are unfamiliar with their terms and the value of your own case. Most of us don’t have the time, patience, or expertise to pursue their rights especially if they are recovering from an injury.

See: Car Accident Articles, Statistics, Case Law and More

Common causes of car accidents include:

• Reckless driving
• Driver distractions such as texting while driving
• Drunk driving and other forms of driver impairment
• Car defects
• Poorly maintained roads

Car accident injuries can range from minor whiplash or back injury, to catastrophic injuries, such as amputation of a limb, brain injury, and death. Severe car accident injuries include head and brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, cuts, lacerations, organ damage, broken bones and fractures, burns, scarring, etc. Consulting an experienced car accident lawyer about your injuries can help you to determine whether or not you have a personal injury case. If an attorney believes you have a right to pursue compensation for your injuries, lost wages, pain and suffering, medical expenses, and property damage, he can prepare the necessary documents to sue the other driver’s care insurance company.

Things you SHOULD and SHOULDN’T DO following a car accident:

DO:

• Make sure that those needing medical attention receive it.
• Call the police.
• Cooperate with professionals who respond to the accident, including the police, firefighters, all law enforcement agents, and any emergency medical personnel.
• Get the information of all persons involved in the accident (names, addresses, telephone numbers, insurance information, drivers’ license information).
• Get the information of all cars involved (license plate numbers, insurance information, year, make, model, color).
• Get the names and numbers of any witnesses.
• Inform your insurance company.
• Take photographs of the scene, attempting to capture the entire context and the full extent of the damage as soon as possible.
• Get a copy of the police report that was filed.
• Contact a personal injury attorney if you were hurt in the accident.

DO NOT:

• Move your vehicle, unless it is necessary for safety or legal reasons
• Stand or wait in an unsafe area, thereby increasing the possibility of further injury or damage
• Leave the scene until given permission by the police
• Dispose of anything that may be evidence, including broken or defective products, or items of clothing that were damaged, torn, or blood-stained
• Remain in a dangerous area, such as a car that might burst into flames
• Discuss fault or apologize
• Agree to a settlement with an insurance company before speaking with a personal injury attorney

Do you need an experienced car accident attorney?

If you or a loved one has been in a car accident you should contact your local lawyer immediately. Consulting with a lawyer about your case will help you understand your rights. It is important to know the value of your case and negotiate with the insurance company to be compensated for your injuries.