From Wheel to Court: Why You Should Hire an Auto Accident Lawyer after a Crash

Driving can be fun. With hands on the wheel and a leg on the accelerator, the world can move fast. However, any mistake on the road can result in an accident, which can be destructive and traumatic.

A 2022 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) report estimated that 42,795 people died in auto accidents.

Following all traffic rules and not overspeeding does not eliminate you from being involved in an accident; it only reduces the risk. Sometimes, an accident is no fault of your own but that of other drivers on the road.

If involved in an auto crash, you might be entitled to compensation, which can help you cover the financial expenses of the accident’s aftermath.

According to Morris Injury Law, a team of auto accident lawyers in Las Vegas, moments after an automobile accident can be confusing for victims. One of the things to think of is getting an auto accident lawyer.

Victims may have suffered mental or bodily injuries from the accident. They may have no car to drive to work or be so severely injured that they cannot work anymore.

A car accident lawyer can help get the necessary compensation for all you have lost due to the accident—meanwhile, some wonder if they need an auto accident lawyer after a crash.

In this article, we will highlight things you need to do immediately after an accident, why you may need to hire a lawyer, and how to hire the best auto accident lawyer for your case.

What to do after a car accident

When you are involved in a car or truck accident, there are steps that you need to take to ensure your safety and that of everyone else. This is irrespective of whether you or another driver is the cause of the accident.

Check yourself

Once you regain consciousness after the accident, check yourself for any injury. If you are badly injured, call for help. Move to the side of the road or signal to people around to help. 

Check others

If you can still walk around, check on others involved in the accident. You may administer first aid care if you have the proper training.

Call for help

Call 911 or any other relevant emergency contact in your area to report the accident. Even for minor accidents, you will need the police report when you file a claim with your insurer. If a police officer could not visit the scene, go to anyone nearby.

Exchange information with the other driver

Before talking to the other driver, be sure both of you are safe and calm to hold a meaningful conversation. If one party is angry and may get violent, wait until the arrival of the police.

Information you should exchange with the other driver includes:

• Full name and contact information
• Insurance company and policy number
• Driver’s license and license plate number
• Type, color, and model of vehicle
• Location of accident

Do not make any side deal with the other driver

The other driver may offer you an instant cash payment for any damages incurred during the accident.

Do not take the deal. You may be exposed to a more enormous expense down the line. It is best only to seek compensation after carefully evaluating the damages.

Collect evidence from the scene

You will need as much evidence as possible to capture the accident scene. This will make the approval of your claim easier.

Below are some tips:

• Identify the officers at the scene
• Request a copy of the accident report
• Take pictures of the cars involved in the accident
• Take photos of the surrounding area
• Record a video of the accident showing all four corners of each car and injuries sustained.
• Take photos of your injury and other damaged items

Notify your insurer and relevant authorities

Some insurance companies have mobile apps that allow instant reports of a claim. If your insurer has one, report your claim at the accident scene.

They will typically respond with the documents needed to process your claim.

Also, report with the DMV and any other relevant authorities if required.

Why you should hire an auto accident lawyer

Insurance companies are not charities; they are for-profit organizations, and they make money when they do not pay claims.

Filing a claim is not enough for an auto crash is not enough. An insurer will deny a claim if they find any loophole indicating their policyholder is not responsible for the accident.

You need an experienced car accident lawyer to handle your case. An auto accident lawyer can help you to;

• Determine if you have a case
• Determine who is really at fault in an accident and help protect your interest
• File a claim with no loopholes an insurer can leverage to deny your claim
• Effectively negotiate with insurance companies to ensure you get the compensation you deserve
• Get the maximum compensation for damages and injuries sustained in an accident.

If an insurance company refuses to pay a legitimate claim or pays less than the agreed value, you can sue the insurer for acting in bad faith and breaching an agreement.

Meanwhile, only hire a reputable lawyer with years of experience in auto accident laws. Discuss the fees upfront; however, some law firms work on contingency. 

You should also be comfortable working and discussing your case with your attorney. If you feel uncomfortable, consider hiring another lawyer for your case.

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