The moments after an auto accident are critical, and some of them can even influence other events later on. Many people have questions about getting into a traffic crash, such as "Who should I call after a car accident?" or "Do I need a personal injury lawyer?" Knowing the answers to these questions and acting accordingly the minute an accident occurs are crucial for accident victims.
"Who should I call after a car accident?"
What do you do after a car accident? The first thing to do is call 911. Although some auto accident law firms may make it sound like you should call a lawyer first, you actually need to contact emergency services in your area. Law enforcement should arrive to survey the scene and create an accident report from driver and witness testimony. You and others involved in the accident may also require medical treatment, so having someone call 911 can potentially save a life, too.
Once you have spoken to the police, you'll also need to arrange for a tow truck, get an estimate on repairs for your vehicle, and file a claim with your insurance company. If you have been injured in a car accident, you should also seek medical treatment immediately. After taking these steps, you may be found either at fault or not at fault for the accident by your insurance company, but either way you may want to consider working with an auto accident attorney to seek an award for damages and/or injuries.
"Do I need a personal injury lawyer?"
The answer to the question "Do I need a personal injury lawyer?" largely depends upon the injuries you and/or your passengers sustained in an accident. If you have lasting physical injuries, or if you are stuck with high-priced medical bills, then working with an attorney is one way to help alleviate costs, pain and suffering, and other issues related to a car accident's aftermath.
Even if you aren't injured, however, you may still need an accident attorney on your side. Traffic accidents cost the United States $230.6 billion each year, or an average of $820 for every person living in the country. If your accident involved significant damage to your vehicle or property, you may want to work with an attorney to avoid having to foot the bill yourself or have those damages count against you on your auto insurance policy.
"What can I expect from a personal injury attorney?"
What do personal injury lawyers do? An injury attorney will fight for a fair settlement on your behalf, and many lawyers won't require a payment unless you win your case. These attorneys don't just cover accidents involving passenger vehicles, but they also help drivers who have been in a dump truck or semi truck accident. Truck accidents kill nearly 4,000 people each year, and the American Trucking Association states that around 90% of all trucks on the road lack active safety technology. If you've been hit by a truck or any other vehicle, an attorney may help you establish that the accident was not your fault in order to win you the settlement needed to cover your expenses.
Have more questions about working with a personal injury or car accident attorney? Leave any general inquiries in the comments below, or get in touch with an attorney at Burger Law to discuss your circumstances.