Car Accidents

ACT FAST: Crucial Steps To Take Immediately After You Are In A Car Accident

The moments after a car accident are overwhelming. What you say and do — or don’t do — can directly affect your ability to recover compensation later. Follow these steps to protect your health, your rights, and your claim.

• An attorney should be called before you admit any kind of fault to authorities or other drivers.
• Call the police immediately. It is never a good idea to forego contacting the police after an accident. Not calling will make it difficult for you to have car damages repaired.
• Trade insurance and contact information with all drivers involved in the accident.
• Find and document any evidence by taking pictures and making notes of key details from your point of view. It is recommended not to share any accident pictures or details on your social media accounts.
• Act now and understand your rights. There are time limits to filing a case. If you miss your state’s deadline, you will not be able to recover any damages.
• Seek medical attention immediately after an accident. It is up to you to understand your injuries and to follow your Doctor’s instructions. If you don’t, the insurance adjuster may question the validity of your injury claim.
• Talking with insurance companies without your attorney is a bad idea. One of the key goals an insurance company has is to get you to sign medical and other releases. It is in their best interest for you to accept a settlement that is lower that what you should get. Don’t do it.

Free Accident Review — Call Before You Speak To Insurance

If you or someone you know was in a car crash, contact the experienced traffic accidents team at 1-800-LAW-FIRM.  We will analyze the details of your accident and customize the best course of action for you.  All consultations are free and completely confidential.

Never Admit Fault — Even If You’re Shaken

After an accident, it’s natural to want to apologize or explain what happened. But even a simple statement like “I didn’t see you” can be used against you later.

An attorney can help you understand what should — and should not — be said after an accident.

Always Call The Police After An Accident

Not calling the police can seriously weaken your claim. Without an official report, insurance companies may dispute what happened — or deny coverage altogether.

• Police reports document fault and scene conditions
• Required for many insurance claims
• Protects you if injuries appear later

Document Everything — Then Stop Posting

Insurance companies monitor social media and may use posts out of context to dispute your injuries.

Get Medical Care Immediately — Delays Can Cost You

Some injuries take hours or days to appear. If you delay treatment, insurers may argue that your injuries were unrelated or not serious.

• Follow all medical advice
• Attend follow-up appointments
• Keep all records and receipts

There Are Deadlines — Miss Them And You Lose Your Rights

Every state has strict deadlines for filing a car accident claim. Once that window closes, you may permanently lose your right to compensation — no matter how strong your case is.

Call 1-800-LAW-FIRM to find out how much time you have — free consultation

Why Calling A Lawyer First Protects You

After a car accident, what you say — and who you say it to — matters. Insurance companies begin protecting their interests immediately. Calling a lawyer first helps ensure your rights, health, and financial recovery come first.

• Prevents damaging statements In the aftermath of an accident, it’s easy to say something that can be taken out of context or used against you later. A lawyer guides you on what to say — and what not to say — so your words don’t jeopardize your claim.
• Handles insurance communication Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. When a lawyer steps in, they take over all communication, shielding you from pressure, recorded statements, and premature settlement offers.
• Protects medical privacy Insurance companies often ask for broad medical releases to search for unrelated conditions. A lawyer limits access to only what is legally necessary, keeping your private health information protected.
• Maximizes compensation A lawyer evaluates the full impact of your accident — medical bills, future care, lost income, pain, and long-term effects — ensuring you don’t settle for less than your case is worth.

Calling a lawyer first levels the playing field and gives you the protection you need during a stressful and uncertain time.

Don’t Talk To Insurance Companies Alone

Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. They may pressure you to sign medical releases or accept a settlement before you know the full extent of your injuries.

Once you sign, you may give up your right to additional compensation.

What Are The Most Common Causes Of Motor Vehicle Accidents?

Car accidents happen for many reasons, but most crashes are preventable. Understanding the most common causes can help drivers stay safer — and helps injured victims understand when another party may be legally responsible.  Some that are commonly reported include:

• Distracted driving:  According to distracteddriving.com, over 300,000 people are seriously injured in accidents where the driver was inattentive to the surroundings.  Drivers need to make stronger efforts to avoid texting, talking on the phone, eating and participating in any other activity while driving.
• Speeding:  The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that an increase in speed is related to both the likelihood of an accident occurring and to the severity of the injuries.
• Tailgaiting and other forms of reckless driving including: Wrong-way driving, Improper turns, and Dangerous lane changes
• Failing to stop for red lights: Averagely speaking, about 2 people die each day in crashes caused by drivers not stopping for red lights.
• Alcohol intoxication: According to the CDC, 10,265 people died in alcohol-related driving accidents in the United States in 2015. In that same year, 16% of traffic deaths involving children were caused by an intoxicated driver.
• Impaired weather conditions: The Weather Channel recently reported that weather-related accidents kill more people each year than disasters like tornadoes and hurricanes. Hazardous driving conditions are often caused by fog, rain, ice and snow.
• Driving at night: Statistics prove that reduced lighting contributes to a driver’s ability to avoid accidents.
• Young drivers: The CDC reported that motor vehicle accidents are the number one cause of death for teenagers in the United States.
• Elderly drivers: Nearly 6,000 older adults were killed in car accidents in 2014. Additionally, more than 236,000 were injured and treated in emergency departments.
• Vehicle mechanical flaws: The most common mechanical issues that contribute to traffic accidents are faulty wipers, bad brakes, tire blow-outs and inadequate headlights and taillights.
• Poor vehicle maintenance: Even though driver error is typically the cause of many accidents, poorly maintained vehicles also make a significant impact.

What Are The most Common Injuries Suffered In Motor Vehicle Accidents?

Car accidents can inflict many different injuries depending on the circumstance of the crash. Some that are commonly reported include:

• Skull fractures resulting in severe brain injuries
• Trauma to the eyes and ears that cause hearing and sight loss
• Back trauma resulting in spinal cord injuries and ruptured disc issues
• Chest injuries including fractured sternum or ribs
• Ruptures of one or more internal organs
• Abdominal injuries
• Broken bones
• Facial lacerations and bruising
• Psychological injuries such as anxiety, panic attacks, depression, and emotional distress

How Can I Reduce My Risk Of Being In A Vehicle Accident?

Many clients ask what they need to do after an accident, but avoiding one altogether is the ideal situation. Here is a list of best practices to help you avoid being in a motor vehicle accident:

• Always wear your seat belt
• Do not text, eat or talk on the phone while behind the wheel
• Avoid Speeding
• Avoid tailgating
• Avoid driving in inclement weather conditions if possible
• Avoid driving at night
• Stay in your lane and use the left lane for passing purposes only
• Drive with at least one hand on the wheel at all times
• Use your turn signals and give the driver behind you plenty of notice before you turn
• Do not drive drowsy
• Do not drive after drinking alcohol beverages
• Be aware of your surroundings and watch for emergency vehicles
• Be diligent about fixing any vehicle recalls and schedule routine maintenance
• Keep your anger in check—road rage is a killer

What Will Insurance Cover?

Insurance coverage varies based on your specific policy.  In many cases, any payment you receive from your own insurance carrier may be subject to a deductible that you are responsible for paying.

Typically, you may be required to pay the full deductible upfront. However, if the accident was not your fault — or if you were found only partially at fault — you may be able to recover that deductible later through a claim against the at-fault party.

It is important not to communicate with insurance companies on your own before speaking with an attorney. Insurance companies are focused on minimizing their financial exposure and often attempt to resolve claims quickly for far less than they may be worth.