When To Involve An Injury Lawyer After A Car Accident?
When to Involve an Injury Lawyer After a Car Accident?
When a car accident occurs, you should immediately contact 911 and emergency medical services to report the incident. Police reports will be invaluable in establishing liability and fault. Smartphone cameras allow you to take pictures of license plates, eyewitness information, and damage to vehicles. Moreover, you can also capture traffic patterns and intersections. Getting these reports will help you collect evidence, as will witness statements. When to involve an injury lawyer after a car accident depends on the circumstances of the accident.
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Avoiding talking to the police after a car accident
Although it is common to feel nervous when talking to the police after a car accident, it is vital to avoid saying anything that could put you at risk of looking guilty. Although you may have to answer questions from the police, it is better to avoid giving them the impression that you caused the accident, and if possible, seek legal assistance. You can decline to answer questions if you are in the wrong, and you should also ask for a copy of the police report.
Avoiding admitting fault
It is crucial to avoid admitting fault when you hire an injury attorney after a car accident. Depending on the circumstances, you may be tempted to apologize and move on, but even the most innocuous apologies can be construed as an admission of fault and jeopardize your compensation claim. Always remember that the jury will determine fault, not you.
Obtaining a copy of the investigating officer’s report
Obtaining a copy of the police report after a car accident can be difficult if you do not have a police report number. To obtain a copy, call the non-emergency phone number of the local law enforcement agency. Be sure to give the name and badge number of the officer who was responding to the collision. If you cannot obtain a copy, you can try contacting your insurance adjuster. However, the process could take several weeks. A police report may contain details of the accident, including the cause of the collision and who was at fault.
Obtaining a copy of the other drivers’ accident reports
When involved in a car accident, obtaining a copy of the other drivers’ accident report is important. Although these documents are not admissible in court, they are useful for proving fault and helping you negotiate settlements. Many people overlook this step and instead wait several days or weeks to obtain them. Alternatively, you can obtain a copy from the insurance company of the other driver. However, it is important to keep in mind that you may not be able to get your accident report until 14 days after the crash.
Filing a lawsuit against the at-fault driver
After a car accident, the most important concerns of victims are pain and suffering. Apart from the monetary costs of treatment, a car accident can cause damage to your vehicle as well. You may wonder if you can sue the at-fault driver. Normally, you will have to go through the insurance company of the driver at fault. However, if you are injured or have suffered property damage, a car accident lawyer may advise you to file a lawsuit against the driver who is at fault.