Car accident / Law firm / Personal Injury

What Should I Do After a Car Accident? Advice from a Car Accident Attorney.

Considerate attorneys representing car accident victims and fiercely fighting against car insurance companies. Don’t be a victim twice. 

What Should I Do After a Car Accident? Advice from a Car Accident Attorney

Knowing what to do after a car accident can significantly help increase your chances of receiving a proper payout from the car insurance company representing the at-fault driver. 

Accidents happen in the blink of an eye, but their aftermath can last for months, years, or even a lifetime. 

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported 6,102,936 car accidents were reported to law enforcement in 2021. An estimated 2,497,657 people were injured in these accidents and 42,939 were killed. 

If you find yourself in this unfortunate situation, you might be wondering, “What now?” JT Law Firm’s Attorney Monica Balyasny has tips to share that can help you act like a lawyer the next time you’re in a car accident. 

What to do after a car accident?

The moments following a car accident are critical. 

Your first priority should always be health and safety. Check yourself and your passengers for injuries and call 911 when you can safely do so.   

The importance of documentation in a car accident 

Once you’ve ensured everyone’s safety and you’ve called law enforcement, it’s crucial to get as much evidence as possible. Take pictures, videos, and if possible the contact information for any people who witnessed the car accident. 

Open the notes app on your phone or find something to write with and begin writing down your understanding of what caused the car accident.

After an accident, your brain may go into shock, your adrenaline will be high, and you may have some anxiety. All these combined may lead to important details slipping from your mind later on. When a police officer arrives, having your thoughts put together can help you better relay your side of the story. 

Should I hire an attorney after a car accident?

Short answer: Yes. Insurance companies are in the business of making a profit, and minimizing payouts seems to be the go-to answer for many insurance companies to keep their profits high. An experienced car accident attorney from JT Law Firm will not only navigate the complex legal landscape for you but will also help ensure that you stand a fighting chance at receiving fair compensation for your damages, lost wages, and suffering.

How much does an attorney charge for a car accident?

Car accident attorneys do not get paid unless you get paid. 

Personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This means you won’t pay anything upfront. 

Can you sue for whiplash?

Whiplash is a common injury resulting from car accidents and often doesn’t show symptoms until days after the accident. Yes, you can sue for whiplash, but proving it requires medical documentation and exceptional legal representation. Whiplash is often taken lightly, but whiplash can be severe enough that it requires hospitalization. For those without health insurance or with insufficient insurance, the medical bills can pile up, lost wages can become a burden, and the cost of repairing their vehicle can seem unattainable. These situations happen, and when they happen to you, having the right attorney on your side can make a difference.  

JT Law Firm has a track record of successfully helping clients collect high payouts. For a free car accident case evaluation, contact our team today. 

Common types of car accidents 

Head-On Crash

Head-on collisions occur when the front of two vehicles collide. These are often the result of traffic signal violations or impaired driving due to alcohol or drugs. Given their nature, head-on collisions frequently result in severe injuries or fatalities, raising significant legal considerations regarding negligence and liability.

Rear-End Crash

In rear-end crashes, one vehicle collides with the back of another. Causes often include unsafe lane changes or tailgating. Legally, the driver who rear-ends another vehicle is typically found at fault, although circumstances such as sudden stops or signal malfunctions can influence liability assessments.

Side-Impact Crash

Side-impact, or T-bone, crashes occur when the side of a vehicle is struck by the front or rear of another vehicle. These accidents often result in significant damage to the vehicle and serious injuries to passengers, particularly on the impacted side. Legal considerations focus on the right-of-way and whether any traffic violations contributed to the accident.

Sideswipe Car Accidents

Sideswipe accidents happen when the sides of two parallel-moving vehicles make contact. These are common during lane changes or when vehicles pass each other too closely. Liability in sideswipe accidents often hinges on establishing which driver failed to maintain their lane.

Vehicle Rollover

Vehicle rollovers, characterized by a vehicle flipping onto its side or roof, often occur due to sharp turns at high speeds or collisions. These accidents can lead to severe injuries and raise complex legal issues related to vehicle design, driver behavior, and road conditions.

Multi-Car Crash

Multi-car crashes involve several vehicles and can result from various factors, including spilled cargo or a driver losing control. These accidents complicate liability issues, as determining fault may involve multiple parties, each with varying degrees of responsibility.

Single-Car Accident

Single-car accidents involve only one vehicle and can result from mechanical failures, road conditions, or driver error, such as hitting a stationary object. Legal considerations include the driver’s responsibility towards passengers, potential manufacturer liability for vehicle defects, and the role of road maintenance.

Don’t be a victim twice. Work with a car accident attorney who will fiercely fight for you. 

A free case review is the first step. 

Being involved in a car accident is overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through it alone. JT Law Firm offers legal guidance and a compassionate approach to each case. Remember, the right steps can make a significant difference in your safety, legal protection, and compensation recovery.

Contact us today for a free claim review, or call us at 855-585-2997.

For legal guidance and support through this challenging time, contact JT Law Firm for a free case evaluation.  

Let us help you turn the page on this chapter and move forward with your life.

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