which lawyer do i need for car accident my fault

Full Answer

Do I need a lawyer for a car accident?

You may believe car accident lawyers only help people who are innocent victims of car accidents, but there are many ways an attorney can assist you even if you think you’ve caused an accident. It’s always worth discussing the situation with a law firm. Choose one that regularly handles all types of traffic accident cases!

What to do after a car accident if you’re at fault?

There are important steps to take after a crash whether or not you were at fault, and you should stay focused to ensure you do—and don’t do—certain things. First, never under any circumstances should you leave the scene of an accident.

Should I cooperate with law enforcement after a car accident?

(Obviously with certain kinds of accidents, like a slip and fall, law enforcement shouldn't be notified, and won't get involved.) DO cooperate with all law enforcement and emergency responders. Do not get in their way. Doing so can only make matters worse—aggravating any injuries you might be on the hook for causing, or just making you look bad.

What if you were only partially at fault in a car accident?

2 What if You Were Only Partially at Fault? You may believe car accident lawyers only help people who are innocent victims of car accidents, but there are many ways an attorney can assist you even if you think you’ve caused an accident. It’s always worth discussing the situation with a law firm.

How do you deal with a car accident that is your fault?

Even if you were fully at fault for a car accident, there are things you should do to protect your rights.Stop and Stay Safe. Stop and make sure you are out of the way of traffic. ... Report the Car Accident. Call the police to report the accident. ... Exchange Information. ... Document the Scene. ... Tell Your Insurance Company.

Will my insurance pay if it was my fault?

In most states, if you are at fault for an accident you (or your insurance company if you have liability coverage) will have to pay for the losses of the other driver, passengers, and anyone else harmed by the accident. Losses include things like car repairs, medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.

Can I claim if car accident was my fault?

To claim compensation you will need to show that the accident was the fault of another person or organisation. If the accident was completely your fault it is highly unlikely that you will be able to make a claim. If you were partly at fault, however, you may be able to make a claim.

Should I file a claim if it was my fault?

It's best practice to call your insurance company and file a claim when you've been hit by another car and the damage is severe, or you're at fault in an accident. However, filing a claim will almost certainly increase your premium. If no other party is involved, you can file a claim on your insurance.

Is it worth hiring a car accident lawyer?

Yes, hiring a car accident lawyer is definitely worth it, even if you’re not at fault. The lawyer can help you get a better settlement and protect...

Should I get a lawyer for an accident that was my fault?

It’s advisable to get a lawyer for an accident that you caused. Although you won’t be able to receive compensation in case you have sustained an in...

Is it illegal not to report an accident?

In some cases, it is illegal not to report a car accident. In California, for example, if the outcome of the accident is injury or death, you’re ob...

Can a car accident lawyer help with a whiplash claim?

Given that whiplash is difficult to prove, getting a car accident lawyer can help your case. They can advise you on what actions to take and what e...

What is pure contributory negligence?

Pure Contributory Negligence – States that follow the pure contributory negligence rule prohibit someone from recovering any compensation if they were even 1% at fault for the crash. This means that if both parties contributed to a car accident in any way, neither party can recover compensation from the other.

What happens if you are at fault for a car accident?

What Happens When You are At Fault for a Car Accident? When you’re involved in a car accident someone else caused, you’re probably aware of your right to seek compensation for medical bills, property damage, and other losses from the insurance company of the at-fault driver.

How much can you recover from an accident if you were 40% at fault?

For instance, if you were 40% at fault and incurred $10,000 in losses, you can still recover $6,000. The insurance company or jury determines the percentage of fault to assign to each driver.

How to stop a car from being aggressive?

Stay polite, but keep communications to a minimum. Determine whether anyone is hurt and provide the basic information the driver needs from you, then wait calmly until medical personnel and police arrive. Even if the other driver is acting aggressive, you should never be aggressive or defensive in return.

What happens if you leave the scene of a car crash?

However, if you leave the scene of the crash, you could face an arrest ...

Why is it important to collect evidence at the scene of an accident?

It’s also important to collect evidence at the scene of the accident if you are in good physical condition to do so. In some cases, there may be evidence that you shared the blame with the other driver, which can be extremely valuable. Follow these steps to begin compiling evidence as soon as the accident occurs:

Why is it important to have medical records?

It’s important to get the treatment you need in order to minimize the complications and recovery time of your injuries. Medical records also serve as evidence of your injuries and your accident-related expenses. After you’re stable, it’s important to notify your insurance company of what happened.

What to do if you don't have an attorney?

If you have an attorney, don't speak with an insurance company representative—either yours or that of the other party. Let the attorney handle it. If you don't have an attorney, be very careful what you say. Get tips for the first call with an insurance adjuster after an accident.

What to do if you are in a car accident?

If this is a car accident, be sure to get the other party's insurance information and license plate number as well. If there are any witnesses, be sure to get their contact information as well. DO take photographs. Take pictures of any damage caused by the accident, as well as any injuries, if possible.

What to do if you suspect you are injured?

If you suspect that you are injured as well, seek immediate medical treatment , not only to protect your health, but also to protect any claim you might have against others involved in the accident, or any insurance claim you might end up filing over the incident. DO report the injury to your insurance company.

Why do you need a police report?

Having a police report will also help if , later , the plaintiff exaggerates or changes his or her story. (Obviously with certain kinds of accidents, like a slip and fall, law enforcement shouldn't be notified, and won't get involved.) DO cooperate with all law enforcement and emergency responders.

What to do if a vehicle is involved in an accident?

If a vehicle is involved, only move it if it is creating a safety hazard or you are required to do so by law. DON'T throw away or hide any evidence. Anything that may be relevant to the accident or injury must be preserved. DON'T discuss the accident with anyone.