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Fairfax, VA 22033
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Is There a Rush To Hire an Attorney After a Car Accident?
There is a popular misconception that when you are in a car accident the first thing you need to do is call an attorney. This perception may be based, in some cases, on lawyer ads you see on TV.
While it is probably important to know and understand what your rights are and what steps you should (or should not) take, it is not always important to hire an attorney immediately.
Here's the thought process to use
1. Get health care if you need health care. Not every case even needs a doctor, but if you are hurt, see your family physician or an emergency room physician to start on the way to recovery and document your injuries.
2. Follow your doctor's instructions. If the doctor prescribes physical therapy then go to physical therapy.
3. Contact your own car insurance company. Yes, that's right. Contact your own car insurance company to report the incident. You may have “medical payments” coverage that you have paid for (which will pay your bills and co-pays) and, later, you may have to call on your own car insurance company to pay a claim if the person who caused your injury is not insured.
4. Contact the other person's car insurance company if you have that information. Report the claim to them. You are not required to give a recorded statement but if the other person does not report the claim promptly to their own insurance company, they may not pay you later.
5. Get a copy of the police accident report. This is typically available, for a small fee, within days of the accident (depending on the jurisdiction).
6. It is usually a good idea to not share your own insurance information with anyone beyond what may be required by local law. You are never required to disclose the amount of coverage that you have.
7. Take pictures of the damages to your vehicle and, if possible, take pictures of the damages to other vehicles involved in the accident.
8. Cooperate with the police and respond to any subpoena that is served on you to appear as a witness in a traffic case trial.
9. Inform your own health insurance company that the injuries they are paying for may be the result of a car accident. That company may be entitled to recover medical expenses it pays if you recover a settlement from the careless driver.
If you think you are going to make a claim, it is usually a good idea to at least speak to an experienced personal injury attorney first. Many will offer a free initial consultation. Some have authored books or recorded CDs with information about the claims process. If you do speak to an attorney, look for an experienced attorney who is nationally board certified in civil trial advocacy.
Other Articles You May Find of Interest...
- Tort Law: A Guide to Personal Injury Law
- How a Prescription Drug Lawyer Can Help You Seek Justice
- Benefits & Challenges of Physical Therapy for Car Accident Recovery
- Understanding the Complexities of Personal Injury Law
- The Catastrophic Injuries One Could Sustain in a Truck Accident
- The Non-Economic Losses Victims Sustain in a Car Accident
- The Serious Consequences of Slip and Fall Accidents: What Ocala Residents Should Know