What happens when you get in a car accident can depend on which driver was at fault. Whether you bear no, partial, or total responsibility, consider consulting a personal injury lawyer in your area. Most law firms will review your case at no cost or obligation and explain your options for monetary recovery.
However, at the scene of the car accident, call the police even if you are asked not to and accept any emergency medical care you require. If you’re able, take photos as suggested but avoid posting them or other related remarks on social media. Any written or verbal remarks could be used to your disadvantage later.
Exchange and Collect Information After the Car Accident
Exchanging information is an important part of the immediate aftermath of a car accident. The Insurance Information Institute (III) recommends immediately exchanging the following information with the other involved driver:
- Driver’s license
- Registration card
- Insurance card
- Vehicle make and model
You do not have to exchange the following information with the other driver but should document it and share it with your attorney:
- Contact details for available witnesses
- Accident date, time, and location
- Road and weather conditions
Do not say too much or accept or admit fault. Exchange the required information and let the personal injury lawyer who represents you take care of the rest. They will speak on your behalf, protect your rights, and explain your responsibilities.
What to Do If You Scratch a Parked Car
If you hit or scratch a parked car, move your car out of the flow of traffic. Once you are safely off the road, stay at the accident scene and wait for the other driver to return to their car.
If they fail to do so and you have waited a reasonable length of time, leave a note with your name and phone number. Take a picture of the entire car and a picture of the scratch. These photos can protect you if the damage is later inflated. If witnesses saw the scratch, obtain their contact information.
For a free legal consultation, call 404-214-2001
Consider Consulting a Car Accident Lawyer
Consider hiring a lawyer. They can speak to all interested parties on your behalf, including the other driver, their insurance and legal representatives, and lay and expert witnesses. You can rely on them to protect you from an overzealous pursuit of damages and unreasonable compensation demands.
If you are entitled to recover compensation, your lawyer can accurately assess your damages. They can help you avoid having your own compensation request undervalued or underpaid by collecting solid evidence, interviewing witnesses, and handling insurance claim forms and court documents.
The Benefits of Consulting a Car Accident Lawyer Immediately
It is never too early to get a lawyer involved in your case. You can even consult one right from the accident scene. Their assistance can make a difficult situation easier to understand and navigate. Your legal team will:
- Explain state and local laws that affect your case
- Clarify the statute of limitations in your case
- Work hard to comply with the filing deadline
Your lawyer can also obtain copies of the police report and relevant medical records and get accurate estimates for vehicle repair or replacement.
Getting in touch with a local law firm right away can also preserve evidence. For example, the lawyer can speak to witnesses while their memories of what happened are still accurate and clear.
Collect Compelling Documents and Evidence
Car accident cases are built on evidence. In most cases, the weight of the accumulated evidence can steer your case in the direction of a settlement and avoid a lengthy trial. The evidence your legal team collects can include:
- Medical bills
- Injury photos
- Relevant medical records
- Proof of income
- Supporting video
- The car accident report
- Witness statements
- Accident scene photos
- Accident reconstruction
- Your own written statement
Your lawyer will organize your evidence and submit it to the respective parties on your behalf.
Potential Forms of Compensation After a Car Accident
Whichever party—you or the other driver—seeks compensation can request specific damages. In general, the types of recoverable damages requested after an accident include the following:
- Diminished property value
- Past and future lost income
- Past and future medical bills
- Property damage or total loss
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Mental anguish
- Pain and suffering
- Physical disability
- Physical disfigurement
- Wrongful death damages, if applicable
Each party’s legal or insurance representative will assess their potential damages and collect receipts, bills, and other documentation that supports their monetary value.
File Your Personal Injury Lawsuit on Time
If you are seeking compensation after an accident, your state will limit the amount of time you have to do so. Your lawyer will explain the filing deadline and any factors that cause it to fluctuate. Filing your lawsuit too late could put your right to file at risk. If that happens, you could be left with no further legal recourse.
If you are found to bear liability for the accident, the other driver must comply with the applicable filing deadline when seeking compensation from you. Your lawyer will go over their rights with you and what will happen if they do not pursue their case within the allotted time.
Get a Free Car Accident Consultation With Kaine Law Right Away
If you were hurt in a car accident, our lawyer in your area can explain state and local laws and the ways they affect your case. We will take time to listen to your version of the events that led to the accident and explain the actions we take to support you.
You do not have to deal with the aftermath of an accident without legal guidance and direction. Learn more about what happens when you get in a car accident by contacting Kaine Law today. Our team gives complimentary case reviews at no obligation to all potential clients.
Call or text 404-214-2001 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
