what should a lawyer do for a car crash victim?

by Mrs. Mona Brown DDS 10 min read

After the initial meeting, an auto accident lawyer also does a lot to help an accident victim throughout a case. For example, this attorney will: Verify the other driver’s insurance coverage and policy limits

Your lawyer will:
  • Assess the scene of the accident.
  • Organize your medical bills and records.
  • Gather accident or police reports.
  • Obtain eyewitnesses statements.
  • Check nearby traffic cameras for footage of the accident.
Apr 30, 2021

Full Answer

What are 3 things you do immediately after a car accident?

10 Things You Need to Do After a Car AccidentSTOP. Never drive away from the scene of an accident, even a minor one.PROTECT THE SCENE. ... CALL THE POLICE. ... MAKE AN ACCURATE RECORD. ... TAKE PICTURES. ... EXCHANGE INFORMATION. ... REPORT THE ACCIDENT. ... SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION.More items...

What are the 7 steps to dealing with a car accident?

How to Handle a Car Accident in 7 Easy StepsMove to a safe area (if you can) ... Stop your vehicle and get out. ... Check on others involved. ... Call the police to the scene. ... Gather info. ... Document the scene. ... File your insurance claim.

What should you not say to your insurance company after an accident?

Avoid using phrases like “it was my fault,” “I'm sorry,” or “I apologize.” Don't apologize to your insurer, the other driver, or law enforcement. Even if you are simply being polite and not intentionally admitting fault, these types of words and phrases will be used against you.

What is the first step you should take after a collision?

If you are involved in a collision, stop your car at or near the collision scene. If you can, move your car off the road so you do not block traffic. Protect yourself and others from oncoming traffic. Failure to stop at the scene of a collision in which you are involved can result in your arrest warrant.

What to do after an accident?

The first and most important thing after an accident is to seek medical treatment for any injuries. Call 911 right away, and tell the dispatch if there is a need for immediate medical help. After your immediate medical needs are addressed, and police have been called, you should document as much information about the accident as possible. This includes, but is not limited to: the names and contact information of the involved parties, the insurance information of the involved parties, names and contact information of witnesses, and photos of the vehicles and the area where the crash occurred.

What happens if you have collision coverage on your car?

If you go through your own insurance company, typically you must pay your deductible. Your insurance company will then try to recoup what it paid from the at fault driver’s insurance company, and you will be reimbursed for your deductible at that time.

Is Nelson Personal Injury difficult?

The personal injury attorneys at Nelson Personal Injury understand that personal injury claims can be difficult – especially in the case of a complicated car accident. That’s why we work hard to make sure you feel heard, and that you get the compensation to help you get on the road to recovery. If you have questions about an accident involving you or a loved one, contact the car accident lawyers at Nelson Personal Injury: nelsonpersonalinjury.com.

Do You Have Experience Representing Auto Accident Victims?

It’s important for you to find out if your attorney has experience in representing people in your situation.

How Will You Be Compensated for Your Work On My Case?

Attorneys who represent car crash victims often do so on a contingency basis. But this isn’t a guaranteed arrangement and you should speak to your lawyer to be sure.

What is the Best Way to Reach You?

A crucial part of the attorney-client relationship is regular communication between you and your lawyer.

Will You Be the Attorney Who is Representing My Interests in All Court Appearances?

When you speak with a lawyer about representing you after your car crash, you should find out if they will actually be the one doing it.

Wrapping Up: Find a Law After Your Car Crash

The decision to hire an attorney after your car crash is an important one. After all, you only have one opportunity to receive a settlement on your claim.

Questions for Crash Victims

There are many questions your Phoenix-based vehicle accident lawyer may have for you when you contact him or her about representing you:

What is Your Lawyer Trying to Find Out?

There is no way to know for sure if your claim will be successful. However, attorneys want to determine their odds of being successful. If your lawyer does not think he or she would be able to recover a favorable settlement, or at least recover more than you may be able to on your own, he or she may not take the case.

Need Legal Help Following a Car Crash? Call Today

Phillips Law Group has been helping car crash victims for decades and we have secured compensation for countless victims. We have extensive knowledge of the legal process and how to build strong cases for crash victims.

Why the Civil Justice System is Different from the Criminal Justice System

Minnesota’s criminal justice system is set up to prosecute those who have been accused of crimes, making sure they receive due process of law. If someone is found guilty of a criminal offense, he or she can be penalized in accordance with state law.

Can a Civil Case and Criminal Case Be Pursued Together?

Yes, you can pursue a civil case against the drunk driver while the criminal case makes its way through the justice system.

Liability for the Establishment That Served the Drunk Driver

While you may be thinking of filing an insurance claim yourself, you should know the legal process can be complicated, particularly when the victim was severely injured or died in the crash. Insurance companies are going to fight hard to undervalue or even deny these types of claims.

Injured in a Crash? Call TSR Today for Assistance

Our attorneys know what crash victims go through, as we have helped so many after these unexpected events. When alcohol is involved, these crashes often have devastating results. Even though victims need compensation for medical bills and other expenses, insurance companies routinely undervalue claims, no matter how severe the crash.

You Are Unsure About the Value of Your Claim

Car crash victims handle insurance claims all the time. If they suffer minor injuries and their vehicles can be repaired relatively quickly, they may get good results. Although car insurance companies routinely underpay claims, many crash victims with minor injuries get the compensation they need.

You Sustained an Injury That is Likely to be Permanent

Car insurance companies routinely deny and undervalue claims involving permanent injuries, like brain injuries or spinal cord injuries. They are committed to protecting their bottom line, regardless of the severity of your injuries.

The Insurance Company Has Been Difficult

If you are struggling to deal with the insurance company it may be because your claim could be worth a lot of money and the insurance company knows it. They are hoping to delay and get you to feel desperate. Then you may be willing to accept whatever they are offering because you need the money.

The Insurance Company Denied Your Claim

Insurance companies regularly deny legitimate claims. Crash victims should not get discouraged from continuing to pursue compensation. An attorney may be able to help you.

Give Us a Call Today to Discuss Legal Options

Car insurance companies have a lot of practice convincing crash victims they do not need to call an attorney. They know crash victims are vulnerable and want to recover compensation as fast as possible.

Difference between Personal Injury and Criminal Law

Many people assume they need a criminal lawyer when they have been named as a defendant in a car accident lawsuit. This isn’t the case. Instead, they need a lawyer experienced in personal injury, but one who represents those sued. These people are generally called “defense counsel.”

Check with Your Insurer

Most bodily injury liability insurance policies include paying for an attorney to defend you if you are named as the defendant in a lawsuit. Take out your policy and check. If the insurer is paying, they probably want the power to select the lawyer. You can call your insurer and discuss whether they will cover legal help.

The Right to Compensation

If you ever become the victim of a car crash, it is your right to be compensated for any and all injuries, pain, disabilities, loss of earnings, loss of earning capacity, hospitalization, damage to property, and more.

The Right to Seek and Use Legal Help

In the chaos surrounding a car crash, one of the rights that victims neglect is their right to seek and use legal help. Having an attorney to assist you in any and all legal matters that may arise from the car crash is guaranteed to get you the justice and compensation you deserve.

The Right Not to Provide a Statement

After the car crash, expect that the insurance company of the other party will come calling. They will be asking you to provide an official statement, written or recorded, to help process the claim. It is your right not to provide one, and let your attorney handle it instead.

image