You should call a lawyer after a car accident to avoid paying for medical costs and insurance claims alone.
Insurers may offer inadequate settlements, prioritizing shareholders over victims.
They may rush victims into settlements, leaving them undercompensated.
Time is crucial post-accident, with missed paychecks and mounting medical bills. Contact our car accident attorneys promptly to address your financial issues.
Steps to Take After a Car Accident
Immediately after you are injured in a car accident, there are steps you can take to help you collect the compensation you need.
- Call 911
Dial 911 to report the accident, summoning police and medical help. Essential for determining fault and liability, both the police and medical reports are crucial, as they provide evidence beyond personal accounts.
2. Gather Evidence
With smartphones, gathering evidence is simple. Take photos of license plates, witnesses, vehicle damage, traffic, intersections, and key details to aid your lawyer in proving fault.
3. Contact a Lawyer
Insurers aim to cut their liabilities with low settlements. These are often far less than your recovery needs. Consult an experienced car accident attorney promptly to start building your case. Remember, contacting an attorney doesn’t mean filing a lawsuit.
What Not to Do After a Car Accident
Knowing what NOT to do after a car accident is as crucial as knowing what to do. Avoid these major mistakes:
- Not Reporting Your Accident: Even if you feel fine initially, some injuries take time to manifest. Always report the accident and get a police report.
- Admitting Blame: Refrain from saying “I’m sorry” as it can be used against you to imply fault, even if it’s not your fault.
- Accepting Settlement: Insurance companies may pressure you to accept a low settlement. Consult an attorney before signing anything.
When to Call a Lawyer
Not everyone in a car accident needs a lawyer, but if your case is severe or complex, it’s crucial to contact a lawyer after a car accident promptly if any of these factors apply:
- Significant injuries in the accident
- Unclear fault determination
- Involvement of other motorists (pedestrians, other vehicles, cyclists)
- School zone or construction zone collision
- Disagreement with the police report
- Underinsured or uninsured driver involvement
- Confusing insurance responses
For minor accidents:
- Substantial vehicle or property damage
- Injuries to passengers or yourself
- Significant missed work or difficulties with repairs/insurance limits
Act swiftly, as in Arkansas, you have a three-year window to file a personal injury claim, and crucial evidence can vanish within weeks. Contacting an attorney early is wise, even if you’re unsure about pursuing a lawsuit.
Why You Should Hire An Attorney
Handling a car accident aftermath alone may seem easier but can be a mistake. Hiring an attorney offers several benefits, such as:
- Taking on the Insurance Company
- Filing Necessary Paperwork
- Not Missing Deadlines
- Increased Compensation
- Contingency Basis
- Thorough Investigation