CAR ACCIDENTS

Experiencing a car accident can be one of the most distressing events in life. Whether it's a negligent driver running a red light or a distracted driver rear-ending you, the aftermath can be overwhelming. In such moments, your life can be turned upside down, and require time and resources for recovery.

Car accidents often result in severe injuries and substantial medical bills. While insurance may cover some of your injuries, it's often insufficient to address all your needs. How will you manage daily expenses and medical treatments if you're unable to work due to injuries?

Hiring the right car accident attorney is crucial. An experienced personal injury attorney can significantly impact the compensation you receive from insurance and the responsible party. A knowledgeable attorney can provide guidance and ensure your rights are protected during your challenging time.

If you've been injured in an auto accident, here's what you should do immediately:

1. Ensure Your Safety: Check for injuries among all involved parties. Even if injuries seem minor, it's essential to call 911 immediately for medical assistance. In addition, try to move yourself to a safe place, especially if you are in a busy intersection.

2. Contact Authorities: Wait for the police to arrive at the scene. Their presence ensures an accurate record of the accident, which is vital for determining liability and securing compensation. The response time can be notoriously slow--but, having an officer determine fault after an accident can save you a headache in the long run.

3. Gather Information: Document the accident by taking photos of vehicle damage and collecting witness contact information. This evidence can be invaluable during insurance claims and legal proceedings. Remember, it's not always what is true, but what you can prove.

4. Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine initially, it's crucial to seek medical evaluation promptly. Some injuries may not manifest immediately but can worsen over time. Many of our personal injury clients report the onset of pain the morning after a car accident. Prompt and consistent medical attention strengthens your case for compensation and ensures a quicker recovery.

5. Consult an Attorney: Contact a car accident attorney within 72 hours of the accident. They can assess your case, advise you on legal matters, and advocate for your rights throughout the claims process. When choosing an attorney, check their website, reviews and experience. Billboards get the word out to the public, but do not always mean the right personal injury lawyer.

6. Avoid Signing Anything: Refrain from signing any documents or accepting cash offers at the scene. Limousine companies, for example, are notorious for rushing a "fixer" to the scene to offer you cash and a release of liability. Once signed, those can prove difficult to overcome. Do not fall for that trick! Consult with your attorney before making any agreements to protect your rights and interests.

Why Hire an Attorney?

Car accidents often result in physical injuries and financial burdens. An attorney can assist you in navigating insurance claims, determining fault, and securing compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Plus, many people don't realize that even with the attorney fee attached, most clients will recover far more than if they accept an early offer from insurance or try to navigate the car accident themselves.

Don't navigate the complexities of a car accident alone. Our experienced personal injury attorneys can guide you through the process, ensuring you make informed decisions and receive the compensation you deserve.

What should I do after an auto accident?

Usually, when an accident has occurred you experience initial shock and confusion. If the accident is severe you likely are not immediately able to fully understand what has happened. This is normal. And even if you weren’t able to compile all of the information from the other driver or witnesses, you can still file a claim. Here are some things you should do immediately if you are in a car crash:

• If there was no police officer at the scene, you must report it immediately to a law enforcement authority (such as Highway Patrol or the Police).

• Seek medical attention for any wounds or injuries sustained from the crash

• Keep ALL documents obtained by police, health providers, and insurance companies.

• Do NOT give a statement to the other party’s insurance company, Especially do not give a recorded statement. Insurance companies will attempt to box you into that statement--and injuries often evolve in the days following an accident.

• Hire an experienced car accident attorney and do not give statements to police or your insurance company without consulting with your Attorney first.

• Turn over any pictures taken from the accident as well as all documents regarding the accident to your attorney

If you were not already able to take some or all of these steps, that’s okay. We can help you compile all the evidence and help you get the information you need to file a claim with auto insurance or even a lawsuit. Call us now!

Rideshare Car Accidents: What you should know getting into an Uber or Lyft vehicle.

With Uber and Lyft taking over the rideshare industry, it is important for you, as their customer, to know how rideshare accidents differ from conventional car accidents. To start, where a regular auto accident usually involves two drivers and their respective insurance companies, these are the common parties involved with rideshare accidents,

• The two drivers (if the accident involves only two cars)

• The rideshare company (i.e. Uber, Lyft, etc.)

• The passenger(s) of the rideshare vehicle

Insurance companies have special policies for individuals using private cars for commercial purposes. However, because rideshare companies declare their drivers as individual contractors, the personal insurance of the rideshare driver can drop coverage due to the commercial use of the vehicle. Because of the complex and often confusing nature of rideshare insurance, it is best to consult with an experienced rideshare accident attorney to know who to file a claim against and how to get compensated for your injuries.

While some injuries sustained in a car accident are minor, other times injuries are severe, catastrophic, and can even end in death. It is very important you and the other passengers seek medical attention for any injury sustained as serious injuries may not be immediately apparent.

If you or someone you know has been in a car accident, don’t wait to begin seeking compensation for your losses. Contact a skilled personal injury attorney who specializes in auto accident injuries and claims. Call on our firm to help you get the compensation you deserve.