I was in a car accident. What should I do?
- Immediately notify the police and, if necessary, call
for an ambulance.
- Obtain all insurance information, names, addresses,
phone numbers and license plate numbers of those
involved in the accident.
- Obtain the names and phone numbers of all witnesses.
- If you have a camera, take pictures of all cars and
people.
- Do not make statements to anyone, except a police
officer.
- Do not admit liability.
- Contact a car accident attorney at
Peterson &
Associates, P.C. An attorney can assist you if any
criminal charges are brought against you, as well as
bring a civil suit against another party if they are
responsible for the accident.
>For more information:
Car Accidents
The other driver’s insurance company said they would
take care of everything. Isn’t that a good thing?
No, it is not. You should not take any settlements
offered by an insurance company without first speaking
with an experienced auto accident lawyer at
Peterson &
Associates, P.C. Claims adjusters are professional
negotiators that work for the insurance company – not
for you. Their job is to protect the interests of their
employer. The attorney you select will be the only one
protecting your interests.
The insurance company will typically offer minimal
amounts of money in return for your signature stating
that you will not sue. This usually happens rather
quickly after the car accident takes place. Insurance
companies will often discourage you from obtaining a
lawyer so they can pay less to resolve your claim.
Never take an insurance check or sign anything without
first consulting an attorney. You can jeopardize
potential compensation you are due, and waive important
rights that help to protect your interests.
>For more information: Car
Accidents
I don’t feel hurt. Should I see a doctor?
Yes. Both you and your passengers should consider seeing
a doctor after an accident. The doctor may recognize
injuries, sometimes serious, that are not apparent to
you. The charges for a doctor visit and medical
treatment may be covered by your insurance. It is not
recommended that you settle claims from an accident
until a doctor has seen you and advised you about the
extent of your injuries.
>For more information: Car
Accidents
I didn’t feel hurt at first, but now I have some aches
and pains. What should I do?
You should immediately consult your medical provider
regarding any pain, discomfort or possible injuries from
a car accident, even if you think they may be only minor
injuries. If you were injured in the accident from
someone else's negligence, you may be entitled to
payment of your medical bills, compensation for pain and
suffering, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, and
emotional distress.
>For more information: Car
Accidents
My car was totaled in the auto accident. Who pays for this?
It depends on who is at fault. If you are to blame for
an automobile accident, your liability insurance will
pay the other driver for property damage and personal
injuries up to your policy's limits. If you are not at
fault, the other driver's liability insurance pays for
your car damage and personal injuries.
>For more information: Car
Accidents
What about my medical bills?
Regardless of the cause of your injuries, you are
primarily responsible for paying your bills. The
at-fault person's liability insurance carrier is
responsible for paying you reasonable compensation for
damages incurred, which includes medical bills, but the
insurance carrier is not responsible for paying your
doctors, hospitals, and other providers. Sometimes the
amount the insurance company is willing to pay is far
less than the actual amount you owe.
Call Peterson &
Associates, P.C. for an attorney who will ensure that
you’re fully compensated.
>For more information: Car
Accidents
What issues will I face in making a claim for my
injuries sustained in an auto accident?
A claim for injuries is usually based upon carelessness
or negligence. In worse case scenarios, it is based on
an intentional or reckless act. The three categories of
issues that typically arise in a tort claim after an
automobile accident are:
- Liability - who is at fault and to what degree.
- Damages - injuries or losses that were caused by the
accident.
- Insurance Coverage - what the insurance company will
pay for after an accident.
>For more information:
Car Accidents
The car that hit me was a commercial vehicle. Who is
responsible?
There are several ways that a business can be held
liable for the actions of its employees. All are known
as vicarious liability. Under that legal theory, the company is responsible
for negligent acts committed during the course and scope
of normal activities in service to the company. The
owner of a vehicle can be held responsible for
negligently entrusting the vehicle to another driver
whose driving causes an accident. Generally, however, a
business owner is not responsible for acts committed by
independent contractors. In the course of accident
litigation, one party may not have enough insurance or
resources to compensate the victim for all
injuries/damage sustained.
>For more information: Car
Accidents
Under what circumstances would this case go to court?
Most car accident claims are settled out of
court. If another driver's insurance company agrees to
pay what your attorney believes your case is worth, and
you wish to settle for that amount, then your case will
not go to court. However, if an agreement cannot be
reached, your attorney should be poised to fight your
case in court.
>For more information: Car
Accidents
Why do I need a lawyer if it was just a car accident?
You will want to hire an experienced car accident
attorney because that person is the only one that is
working in your best interests. There is no law against
handling your own claims. At least notify your insurance
company. Keep in mind that insurance companies and their
attorneys know exactly how much your claim is worth, and
they are in a much more powerful position to negotiate
with the other party than you are. Their job is to
resolve the potential "liability" by paying as little as
possible to you. Many valuable rights were lost because
the injured person believed what he or she was told by
the insurance company. Contact a car accident attorney
at Peterson & Associates, P.C. to protect your rights.
For more information: Car
Accidents
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