What to Do After a Minor Car Accident – healthycaloriestips.com

You just got in a car accident. Things are a little stressful. Take a minute to breathe, thenfollow this checklist.

Prioritize Your Safety: Your safety is a top priority after an accident. Check for injuries, and call 911 for immediate medical assistance if you need it.
Contact Law Enforcement: Report the accident to the local police. If officers respond, they’ll document the incident in a police report. If they don’t, file a report at the nearest DMV. Obtain a copy of either document for future reference.
Exchange Information: Share your contact and insurance information with the other drivers. Get their name, phone number, insurance policy details, license plate number, and vehicle information.
Collect Evidence: Gather photo and video evidence to support your claim that the other driver is at fault.
Seek Medical Attention: Even if injuries seem minor, see a doctor or visit an urgent care clinic for a thorough examination to identify any injuries that might be hidden.
Contact an Attorney: Before informing your insurance company, consult with an attorney to go over what happened and create a legal strategy.
Notify Your Insurance Company: Promptly notify your insurance provider to initiate the claims process.

Signs You Need a Car Accident Lawyer

You know it’s time to hire a car accident attorney if you run into one or more of the following roadblocks after your minor car accident.

Your injuries are severe: If the accident resulted in serious injuries requiring medical treatment, ongoing care, or causing long-term disabilities, it’s advisable to consult with a lawyer.
Liability is unclear: If determining who caused the accident proves to be more difficult than expected, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’ll protect your interests and help you navigate complex legal issues.
Multiple parties are involved: The more parties that are involved in a car accident case, the more complicated it will be. A lawyer will help you navigate these complexities.
You had a pre-existing injury: If you had a pre-existing injury that the accident only made worse, a lawyer can help differentiate between the pre-existing injury and new injuries caused by the accident.
You don’t understand legal procedures: If you are unfamiliar with legal processes, filing a lawsuit, or dealing with court proceedings, having a lawyer can ensure that you navigate the system correctly.
You’re experiencing persistent pain: If you experience persistent pain or if your injuries affect your ability to work or enjoy a normal life, legal representation will be life-changing.
The opposing party won’t cooperate: If the other party involved in the accident or their insurance company is uncooperative or unwilling to negotiate in good faith, legal representation will help.

Choosing the Right Car Accident Attorney

Criteria to Consider

If you want to hire the right car accident attorney, look for these five criteria.

Experience: The lawyer should have experience handling car accident cases like yours.
Track Record: The lawyer should have a track record of winning similar car accident cases.
Fee Structure: The lawyer should put your needs above their own. This might look like offering a free case evaluation and not charging fees upfront.
Resources: The lawyer should have a wealth of resources to help them investigate evidence, evaluate losses, and build strong cases.
Testimonials: The lawyer should have mostly positive reviews from former clients.

Questions to Ask

Here are some of the questions you should ask any car accident lawyer you’re considering hiring.

How long have you been practicing law?
Do you specialize in pedestrian accident cases?
Have you handled similar cases before, and what were the outcomes?
How do you plan to approach negotiations or, if necessary, litigation?
How will we communicate, and how often can I expect updates?
What is your fee structure, and are there any additional costs I should be aware of?
How involved will I be in the decision-making process?
Will you keep me informed about major developments in my case?
Will you personally handle my case, or will other attorneys in your firm be involved?
How long do you anticipate the legal process will take for my case?
What factors could potentially affect the timeline of my case?
How often do your cases go to trial, and what is your success rate in court?
Are you a member of any professional organizations or legal associations?