When To Call a Lawyer After a Car Accident

You try to do everything you can to be safe while driving, and it still happens. You’re in a car accident. Whether it is a just a fender bender, or your car is completely totaled, one of the first things you should think about is if you may need to hire an attorney. This is especially important if you are not at fault in the accident, and you’re hurt. Many times, people in car accidents are often left to deal with the implications on their own. There are a few important steps that you should follow after a car accident.

The first thing to do is to call 911, even if there is only slight damage. Having the authorities there to report the accident helps to resolve any discrepancies in what happened. The police report is a valuable source when it comes to proving fault or liability. If you do not call them, it becomes a he said, she said, situation. The next step is to gather information and evidence. There is never such a thing as “too much evidence.” You should gather anything you deem may be useful for a lawyer to help prove you are not at fault. This includes taking pictures of the car, license plates and the scene.

Next, be sure to exchange insurance information and get the other party’s name, address, and phone number. A picture of their driver’s license is also a plus. It is also helpful if you gather any eyewitness information like names and phone numbers, if applicable. Most police reports don’t list more than a name for eye-witnesses, so it can be difficult to track them down once everyone leaves the scene. These eye-witnesses can be the difference in you prevailing in your case.

If you’re hurt and the wreck isn’t your fault you should contact a lawyer. The faster you do this, the faster you can start building your case. Evidence dissipates and deteriorates the further you get from the day of the car accident. Retaining that evidence and protecting it is the primary function an attorney can help you with at the beginning of your case. This is especially true if you’re trying to get better from the injuries suffered in the wreck. There are certain rules that insurance companies know regarding evidence of their at-fault party’s vehicle and if you wait too long that vehicle will get destroyed. The vehicle of both parties is important for your case.

The main sign that you should call an attorney after a car accident is if you have a serious injury and/or there was a fatality. Another reason is if you are injured and are unsure who is at fault. Sometimes in the all of the madness of an accident, the facts get blurred. It would be helpful if this is the case in order to straighten some things out.

Car accidents can be emotional and scary. It is important that you receive the best representation possible. The Dixie Law Group has a team of lawyers who have experience with helping injured people. We fight insurance companies to get back what was taken after a car wreck, truck wreck, or slip and fall injury. If you have been in a car accident and are hurt, have your case reviewed by one of our attorneys. Call today for a 100% free consultation with an attorney.