People are often uncertain about when to get a lawyer for a car accident. Many assume that they can easily get compensation for any property damage or injuries they suffer. However, insurance companies work hard to prevent this. When you consider how much you stand to lose, you’ll realize how important it is to contact a car accident lawyer as soon as possible. If you’re unsure about when to hire an attorney after a car accident, keep reading.
The Most Important Steps to Take After a Car Accident
If you want to increase the chances that your insurance claim will be approved, you need to do three things as soon as you’re able to do so.
Call 911
Let law enforcement officials and emergency medical professionals know that a crash occurred. The police report and your medical report will help to establish fault. Without these independent accounts of the crash, it will be a case of your word against that of the other party.
Calling 911 is important but you should also call a lawyer.
Get Evidence
If you’re not severely injured, you should start to gather evidence. Take photos and videos of the crash scene, license plates, damage to the vehicles, and road conditions. You should also try to get contact information from any eyewitnesses.
Contact a Lawyer
You may be asking “should I get a lawyer for a car accident that was my fault?” or “should I get a lawyer for a car accident that wasn’t my fault?” Regardless of the circumstances, it doesn’t hurt to call an attorney as soon as you get involved in an accident. Consultations are usually free and most personal injury lawyers work on contingency, which means they work on your behalf at no cost to you. The sooner the lawyer can begin building a case, the better.
What Not to Do After a Car Accident: 3 Common Mistakes
We’ve talked about the steps to take after a car accident, let’s move on to the most common mistakes to avoid:
Neglecting to Report Your Accident
It may seem easier to exchange details with the other driver and move on. However, some car accident injuries become symptomatic days or even weeks later. If you never notified the authorities about the accident, it will be hard to prove how you sustained the injuries.
Admitting Blame
It’s natural to experience a rush of emotion after a crash. Therefore, you may find yourself saying “I’m sorry” even if it wasn’t your fault. However, what may seem like a harmless or even kind comment could be interpreted as acceptance of blame. Never accept fault. Your lawyer will help determine this based on the evidence.
Accepting a Quick Settlement
It’s not uncommon for an insurance company to make a low offer. Often, individuals don’t know the true value of their claim or they decide that some money is better than no money at all. You should never agree to a settlement without first talking to a lawyer.
Knowing When to Hire an Attorney After a Car Accident
If you have been involved in a collision, your best course of action is to talk to a lawyer, especially in the following situations:
Injury or Death
If someone in either vehicle suffered injuries or died, you should contact an experienced attorney. Serious accidents can be complicated and lawsuits and countersuits may be involved.
Disputes Over Fault
Maybe you and the other driver disagree about what happened or their insurance company is saying you don’t have enough proof. An attorney may be able to help you build a strong case against the other party.
The Crash Occurred in a School or Work Zone
The location of the accident can complicate things. Work zone accidents can be the fault of a negligent construction company or government entity. Meanwhile, school zone accidents often involve young pedestrians who can be less aware of their surroundings. These are situations where you definitely need a lawyer for a car accident.
You Disagree With the Police Report
The police report is an important source of information. If you don’t agree with the contents, you’ll need an attorney to help you present strong evidence as to what occurred. Sometimes the police report needs to be amended, an attorney can help to make sure this gets done.
Underinsurance or Uninsurance Involved
If the at-fault party doesn’t have insurance or it’s not enough to cover your losses, you need to talk to a lawyer. Even if you have uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, it may not be sufficient if your injuries are serious.
Be honest with the police but avoid accepting blame for the collision.
Contact Us When You Need A Lawyer for a Car Accident
Consulting an attorney at the earliest opportunity helps to ensure that you take the correct steps following a crash. Dang Law Group is here to assist car accident victims in and near:
- Austin
- Round Rock
- Hutto
- Cedar Park
- Georgetown
- Manor
- Buda
- Del Valle
You’re guaranteed to speak directly with an attorney so contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
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