Auto Accident FAQs

First of all, never leave the scene or you could be criminally charged. You should immediately call for medical help if someone is hurt. If you are able, move your vehicle from traffic so it does not create a hazard. You should also call the police and file a report if damages are more than $500 or if someone has been injured. Under no circumstances should you admit liability, even if you are obviously at fault. Collect the names and contact numbers for the other party involved along with any witnesses. When possible document any vehicle damage, skid marks and road hazards.

Many states have adopted a fault-based, or “tort liability,”system of automobile insurance. In this type of fault-based system, insurance companies are responsible for paying damages and injuries based on each party’s degree of fault. When your insurer does not agree with your claim, it is important to have professional legal representation from car accident lawyers in order to file suit for uncompensated damages in addition to pain and suffering.

Some people mistakenly believe that if they are involved in an automobile accident with an uninsured motorist, that they will not be able to collect damages. However, if this happens, you are able to receive compensation from your own insurance company, under its uninsured motorist policy. You may also be able to file a civil suit against the uninsured driver.If you carry uninsured motorist coverage from your insurance company you may also collect damages that you can not recover from the uninsured motorist. This process, however, includes an arbitration claim against your insurance company.

Yes. Sometimes injuries suffered in a car accident, especially internal injuries, do not surface until days or even weeks following the accident. It is wise for anyone involved in an automobile accident to seek medical attention. How liable you are found to be for the accident will determine what percentage of your medical bills insurance will cover.

You could collect damages for:

• Medical and pharmaceutical bills
• Future medical treatment
• Lost wages and the inability to earn future wages
• Property damage
• Vehicle rentals
• Pain and suffering

One of the most difficult elements we deal with in our law office is proving damages. Insurance companies are notorious for trying to obtain the lowest settlement possible. Our car accident lawyers know how to deal with insurance companies’sneaky tactics.