What Is The Best Way To Find An Attorney After a Car Accident?

"Oh my goodness! There's been a terrible accident! Call emergency services!" If you've ever heard these dreaded words, you know what it's like to be involved in or witness a horrific accident.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 36,000 people died in car accidents in 2018, and that number is actually just a small fraction of the number of car accidents that occur in the United States each year. It is estimated that between 20 and 50 million car accidents occur on U.S. roads and highways each year. NHTSA also estimates that up to 10 million accidents go unreported each year for a variety of reasons.

If injuries and extensive property damage are involved, it may be necessary to rely on the expertise of an attorney to help you resolve the legal issues related to your accident. You want to be prepared if the worst happens. Check out these tips for finding a good attorney after a car accident.

Minor Accidents

Most minor car accidents do not require legal services. These types of accidents are often referred to as "crashes" and often occur in parking lots and other areas where vehicles move slowly. The people involved can often resolve these minor issues by sharing their insurance information without the need for legal action. In some cases, they may even resolve the issue on their own without notifying the insurance company.

However, serious accidents involving drivers and passengers of trucks, cars, motorcycles, bicycles, etc. may require legal assistance to help the drivers resolve liability and then seek compensation from the responsible driver. The at-fault driver can also hire an attorney to minimize the amount of damages he or she has to pay.

Location of the Accident

At the scene of the accident, you should not admit any type of fault, even if it is clear that your car completely hit the other car. It is important to make sure that all drivers and passengers are safe and sound, then contact the police and wait to speak with the officer.

When the officer comes to collect everyone's statements, you should mention that there was an accident, but do not try to give a reason for the accident. If the police try to get you to confess, you can simply say that you are not sure what happened. There are two simple reasons for taking this approach. First, you don't know what happened to the other vehicles in the minutes before the accident, nor do you know what traffic laws were violated. Second, car accident insurance investigators are trained to determine who is at fault for the accident. They can find information that you can't find. Let them do their job.

If you admit fault at the scene of the accident, and that fault is included in the police report, you may be held partially responsible even if investigators find facts that exonerate you. It may be difficult for your attorney to defend you and obtain compensation for your injuries.

Getting a Police Report

After the accident, you and your insurance company should receive a copy of the police report to make sure that all the information about your accident is correct. If you find any errors, contact the officer who wrote the report to correct any incorrect information, such as time, car type or model, etc.

Choosing a Lawyer After a Car Accident

Next, do your research and find a reputable car accident lawyer in your area. Ask your friends on social media and read lots of real client reviews from different attorneys. This is a crucial step. Hiring an experienced attorney can increase your chances of receiving compensation for your accident losses, including lost wages, hospital bills, and car repair costs.

After you have selected attorneys in your area, make a short list and call their offices. You will want to ask several questions, including those related to whether the attorney can take your case in a timely manner. You will also want to know if the attorney has handled cases like yours before, how much they cost, and if he or she is willing to work on a "contingency" basis. This means your attorney fees will be paid out of your settlement.

You may already know an attorney who can help you. Call that attorney to find out if he or she can represent you in a car accident lawsuit. If the attorney is unavailable or does not want to take your case, ask for a referral.

Many people need an attorney after an accident to ensure they receive fair compensation for their injuries and vehicle damage. However, if you are found to be the at-fault driver, it is also recommended that you hire an attorney to protect your interests and minimize the financial impact on your wallet.