Driving is something that many people do every single day, and when we repeat the same activity over and over again, we can start to take it for granted. Indeed, if asked, many people might say that driving is simply part of their routine – a mundane, monotonous activity with no special significance. But in reality, you take your life in your hands every single time you sit behind that wheel.
While most drives and journeys pass without any incident, there are still plenty of people who set out in their cars, just like any other day and end up in terrible accidents. In fact, approximately six million crashes and collisions happen on America’s roads every single year. Some are relatively minor, with all involved walking away relatively unharmed, but others can be much worse.
Tragically, tens of thousands of people die in auto accidents in the US on an annual basis. Many of those victims were perfectly innocent people, driving safely and minding their own business before they fell victim to the reckless actions of other drivers. In other words, even if you consider yourself a smart driver, you might still end up in an accident, and it’s important to know what to do next.
Many people naturally panic and stress after an auto accident or any other scary situation, but if you know what to do and what to expect, you’ll be better prepared to take the right steps and carry out the correct actions to help your case have the best possible outcome. So let’s take a look at some answers to common questions you might have about auto accidents, including the legal side of these cases and your rights after an accident.
What Should I Do After an Accident?
There are several key steps to follow after an accident, and the most important focus you should have is making sure that you and your passengers are treated rapidly for any possible injuries you might have incurred in the accident. Even if the accident was only minor and you don’t notice any signs or symptoms right away, it’s still a good idea to get yourself checked by a doctor to be sure.
Along with a medical check, it’s also important to try and document the site of the accident and any injuries you have after the accident too. Documentation is a key part of the process in terms of gathering evidence and building up your case when it comes to making a claim. Photos, videos, and other documents can all be very useful for you later on.
You may also want to contact the police after an accident to file an official police report, as well as exchanging information with the other driver(s) and getting their name, contact information, license plate number, and insurance details. Then, you should consider contacting your own insurance company in order to start the claims process and inform them of the accident.
The last step is to get in touch with an attorney. An attorney will be able to help you build up a strong case to support your claim, giving you the best possible chance of success and helping you negotiate the difficult challenges that typically appear in the wake of auto accidents.
Do I Need a Lawyer?
You are not legally obligated to hire a lawyer after an auto accident, but it’s still a very good idea to get one, for several reasons. Firstly, in the wake of accidents, many insurance companies aren’t too willing to simply pay out the maximum possible amount in compensation. Often, they’ll use insurance adjusters to try and minimize the value of your claim.
An auto accident lawyer can help you get the biggest amount of compensation in a fair and legal way, making use of evidence and strong arguments to build your case. What’s more, they’ll also help you avoid common mistakes that could put you in a weaker position in regard to your case. They’ll be able to answer your questions and tell you what to do and what not to do for the best possible result.
How Much Will the Lawyer Charge Me?
This really depends on the lawyer you work with. There’s no “set rate” when it comes to legal fees; different firms and attorneys all have their own rates and payment systems. Some will charge hourly rates for their services, while others will have flat fees. Other lawyers will have contingency fees, which basically means that they’ll take a percentage of your settlement, as long as they’re successful in helping you get one.
Many people worry about paying lawyer fees after a car accident, especially when you may already have a lot of costs because of the accident itself. However, by paying a lawyer, you can have a much better chance of being successful in your claim and getting much more compensation in the long term, so it’s a good value choice.
How Much Compensation Can I Get?
This really depends on the case itself. There are lots of factors that can be taken into account when determining the overall amount of compensation that a victim should receive after an accident. Minor accidents and injuries might pay out around $5,000, for example, but more serious incidents can lead to six-figure payouts for those involved.
How Long Will The Case Take?
Again, this really depends on a lot of different factors. Some cases can be resolved quite quickly, in a matter of months, whereas others will drag on for several years. It all depends on the people and circumstances involved. For example, if the other driver accepts responsibility for the accident and there’s plenty of evidence to show what happened, a case can be resolved quickly. If the other driver challenges your version of events, cases can take a lot longer to be resolved.
Final Word
Auto accidents happen every single day to people from all walks of life, and it’s important to know enough about them to be able to react adequately and get the best results. Hopefully, this guide has helped you strengthen your understanding of what to do in an auto accident situation.
