3 Legal Tips to Keep in Mind When Dealing With an Auto Accident

Auto accidents happen every day. While some may be minor fender benders, others can have serious consequences. While you may not be familiar with the legal implications involved in car wrecks, there are steps that will keep you protected.

Steps to Take Immediately Following an Accident

While accidents may be common, you may need legal representation to negotiate with the insurance company and protect any rights you have to compensation. However, at the scene of an accident, these are the first steps you should take.

1. Call 911: Calling the proper authorities will ensure that the accident scene is documented. Also, if there are injuries, paramedics will arrive on the scene to assist everyone who was hurt. When you call, describe the accident scene, and the location and report any injuries. This is an important first step regardless of whether you are a victim or deemed to be the driver who is at fault. The police can provide you with their accident and injury reports if they are needed when dealing with the insurance providers.
2. Accident Report Filing: You must file an accident report even in minor accidents. It’s important in every situation, especially when serious injuries occur. It’s also important to plan ahead in case of serious accidents. According to recent statistics, 78% of Millennials (born between 198 and 995) and 64% of Generation Xeres (born between 196 and 980) don’t have a will and should consider getting one for the future security of loved ones.
3. Evidence: If there are any witnesses, please take a statement from them and their contact information. Pictures and videos of the accident scene can also help support the case in the future. Damaged auto glass and windshield are the most filed insurance claims, and makeup nearly 30% of all auto insurance claims. Evidence can support your claim.
4. Write are Personal Statement: As soon as possible, sit down and describe everything associated with the accident. Road conditions, speeding, swerving, and using a phone can help with the case.
5. Seek Legal Representation: While you may think that you handle the case on your own, you most likely need to have the legal knowledge to negotiate and manage the case successfully, particularly if it goes to court. An accident attorney can help protect your best interests and your rights.

Legal Challenges Following an Auto Accident

There are many tasks that needed to be completed following an accident. Often there are disputes that need to be settled. Then there are compensation and damages claims that need to be addressed with the insurance companies involved. These can include physical damage to the vehicle, medical costs for injuries, as well as the mental effects of the accident. Dental injuries are common in vehicle accidents with about 25% to 50% of kids requiring orthodontics afterward. Common dental injuries include cracked, missing, and loose teeth. A knowledgeable accident injury attorney can manage these channels and advise you during the process.

Hire a Knowledgeable Attorney

Hiring an attorney may not be the first thought that you have following an accident, but they can protect your rights, assist with insurance companies and negotiate any compensation that is due to you. Attorneys understand the law regarding car accidents, so they are equipped to fight for your case. Where they are significant damage to the vehicle or rising medical costs because of injuries and lost wages, they can assist with the claims that need to be filed. Also, by contacting an attorney early, they can help if the insurance claim is denied, or the financial compensation is not appropriate. In each of the cases, some insurance companies aren’t willing to negotiate. An attorney can help especially when the case courts.

Car accidents may be common. Some are insignificant events while others can be serious and include fatalities. For minor events, you may not initially consider hiring an accident attorney, but they can provide the legal guidance that you need. Hiring a professional means you will have the guidance to protect yourself financially.