Car accidents are very common in the United States of America. As per the 2019 car accident statistics, there are more than 40,000 fatal car accidents per year in the US. One American dies in a car accident every day, and on average, 2 million drivers experience a permanent injury in a car crash every year.
Given the current situation of car accidents in the country, it is important that you prepare yourself for the worst. Most of the personal injury claims are due to car accidents. Therefore, it is important that you know exactly what to do if you find yourself in a similar situation.
Understanding the Role of Car Accident Lawyers
Before you jump right into the dos and don’ts after a car accident, it is essential that you understand the role of the car accident lawyers. In case the car accident is a result of the negligence of another party, you should hire a car accident lawyer.
If you are injured and the other party is at fault and the cause of the accident is any of the following, drunk driving, not following the traffic rules, careless or reckless driving, it is best to obtain experienced legal assistance.
The car accidents which come under the personal injury or the Tort law endeavor to come to a settlement to be reached between a victim and the at-fault driver. Without legal representation, reaching a fair settlement is close to impossible, and that is where the car accident lawyers come in – because an experienced car accident lawyer can file a lawsuit if needed and warranted.
The car accidents lawyers prepare the strongest case possible in order to help you prove your personal injury claims. With legal representation, car insurance adjusters won’t be able to pressure you to agree to a car accident settlement that is in their favor, and in some cases, there are no settlements. An auto accident lawyer, who has experience in the field, will work hard to help their clients get compensation according to the worth of the case.
The Dos and Don’ts for Car Accident Victims
Legal assistance is absolutely necessary when talking about car accidents where one party is at fault. If you find yourself in such a situation, you must take the necessary steps and avoid making any mistakes. The matters of personal injury law are complicated, one wrong move and you will find yourself at fault!
The Dos – After a Car Accident Injury
Here is a list of the necessary steps you need to take after you are caught up in a car accident.
Immediate Medical Assistance
The first thing is to get immediate medical assistance after the accident. Even if you might feel fine, which you will do due to shock or adrenaline, you must still see a physician if you are in any pain or discomfort at all. The healthcare provider will analyze your condition and will identify any internal injuries. Make sure you let your healthcare provider know exactly what you are feeling.
Collection of Proof
If, after the accident, you have the strength to get up or have any other people around you, you may ask people to take the pictures of the entire spot. The injuries, the car, and all other things that might serve as proof. Another thing you must do is gather the contact information of any witnesses on the scene. All these will help your car accident lawyer prepare a solid case against the offending party and build a strong claim for the insurance company.
Hire Legal Help
Once you have collected the documents and have some proof, you may contact a car accident attorney. Even if you do not have any proof but know that the accident was due to the negligence or any intentional conduct of the other party, hiring a professional legal representative is the best option for you.
The Don’ts – If You are Making a Car Accident Injury Claim
There are some steps that you must never take after surviving a car accident. Here is a list of things that must not do as these will complicate the matters for you and even ruin your case completely.
Giving a Recorded Statement
One important thing that you must not do after an accident is to provide a recorded statement without consulting a car accident lawyer. You might end up saying something that may negatively impact your case and works in favor of the offending party. You should always have legal counsel before making any recorded statements.
Posting on Social Media Platforms
No matter how tempting it may seem, posting about your accident on any of the social media platforms is not a good idea. It is best to avoid mentioning anything related to your accident on social media as it may be bad for your case.
If you want to get compensation for all your losses, injuries, and property damages, you must proceed with the situation smartly and efficiently. To avoid a costly error, and because personal injury lawyers will take your case on a no-win-no-fee basis, it is in your best interests to hire an experienced auto accident attorney ASAP after your car wreck.
