Automobile Accident Attorney – Motor Vehicle Collision Lawyer
Auto accidents are responsible for over 40,000 deaths annually. If you are involved in an auto accident, call the police immediately. Even if no one was injured it is important to file an accident report.
Auto accident reports are for insurance purposes to determine fault. Therefore you want to verify that the report is thorough. The auto accident report should include interviews with all involved parties including any witnesses. Photographs and / or diagrams of auto accident scenes are often supplied by the police. You can also take pictures of the auto accident, and gather as much information as possible. Get the names and phone numbers of all auto accident witnesses, as well as anyone involved in the accident itself.
Common auto accident injuries may include:
- Whiplash
- Head and brain injury
- Paralysis
- Joint, bone and muscle injuries
- Cuts, lacerations and bruises
Auto accident victims should seek medical attention as soon as possible if they believe they are injured. Auto accident claims for damages resulting from injuries usually depend on medical records linking the auto accident to the injuries received. If there is a time elapses between the auto accident and the treatment, the more difficult it is to prove a connection.
Accident victims and the families of those who have died in traffic-related accidents face a challenging situation that is further complicated by complex insurance laws and legal issues. As a business, insurance companies are primarily concerned with limiting their payout. Your needs are secondary. While the insurance company may present what you think is an attractive settlement offer, it is in your best interests to contact an attorney who will put your needs before the insurance company interests. It is always best to discuss your situation with a skilled attorney before you decide to enter into discussions with an insurance representative.
If the person responsible for your injuries does not have insurance coverage or their coverage does not sufficiently provide for your damages, you may be entitled to collect uninsurance or underinsurance.
Here are some tips to keep in mind if you have been in an accident:
- Stop. If you get in a crash, you must stop. If you leave, that’s known as a “hit and run,” and might be a felony. This includes hitting property, animals or pedestrians. Also, remain calm.
- Call for help. If someone is injured, call 911. If not, your first call should then be to the police. The police will advise as to whether the crashed vehicles should be moved out of traffic, and will take statements from the drivers and passengers involved.
- Call your insurer. As soon as you are able, call and file an accident report. You should also notify the other driver’s insurer of the accident.
- Don’t sign anything. If an insurance adjuster shows up at the scene, don’t give any statements and don’t sign anything.
- Gather information. Get the names, addresses and phone numbers of everyone at the scene, especially witnesses.
- Go see your doctor. You may have injuries of which you’re unaware. If you are examined by a doctor, make sure you are specific in explaining how the accident happened and any and all injuries and problems you sustained as a result.
- Call an attorney. If you’ve been injured, you may want a lawyer to make sure you receive a fair settlement from the insurance company. Also, proving to another driver’s insurer that its policyholder caused the accident might require the services of an attorney.
Because of the complexities involved in automobile accident cases, it is important that you act quickly and contact an attorney with any questions or issues. Proving negligence takes an investment of time, experience, and resources – advantages that only a qualified attorney can provide, knowing your legal rights can help protect you and your family.
If you would like to speak with a automobile accident attorney and have your situation reviewed at no charge, and with no obligation, please complete the form below. Your information will be transmitted securely and privately to an experienced lawyer for an initial claim evaluation.
