What To Do After a Car Accident That's Not Your Fault
After any car accident, including an accident that you didn’t cause, your first steps should be to check for injuries and, if needed, contact 911 for medical assistance. Next, you should document the scene, collect information from the other driver(s) and witnesses, and prepare to contact your insurance company and an experienced car accident lawyer.
If you’ve recently been in a car accident that was not your fault, it is important to know what to do to protect yourself and your rights, especially if you are considering pursuing legal help. Knowing what to do can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case and help you receive fair compensation for any damages or injuries you may have suffered.
At Rainwater, Holt & Sexton, we understand the challenges you may face after getting into a car accident, and we’re here to help. Our team of talented car accident attorneys will guide you through the legal process and fight for your rights so that you can focus on what matters most: your recovery. Whether you need help negotiating with insurance companies or representation in court, we have the expertise and resources to handle your case.
Don’t let the stress of a car accident overwhelm you. Contact Rainwater, Holt & Sexton today for a free consultation, and let us get you the compensation you deserve.
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Do You Need a Lawyer After a Car Accident?
It can take weeks or even months to understand the full impact of your car accident. Lost wages, car repairs, and medical bills start to pile up — along with additional expenses you couldn’t have planned for. Having a lawyer by your side will ensure that these longer-term costs are taken into consideration when fighting for a fair insurance payout.
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Responding to the Accident
Check For Injuries and Call 911 if Necessary
After a car accident, the safety and well-being of all involved should be the top priority. The first and most important thing to do is to check yourself and others for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 right away for medical assistance.
It’s important to remember that some injuries may not be immediately apparent, especially in the adrenaline-filled moments following an accident. Even if you feel fine, seeking medical attention as soon as possible is still a good idea. This is particularly important if you hit your head, as concussions and other traumatic brain injuries may not show symptoms for hours or even days after the accident.
In addition to physical injuries, car accidents can also cause emotional distress and mental health issues such as anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Seeking medical attention can help you receive the necessary treatment and support to cope with the emotional aftermath of the accident.
If you can’t call for medical assistance yourself, ask someone else at the scene to call for you. Acting quickly is important, as delaying medical treatment can worsen injuries and lead to complications.
Collect Information From the Other Driver(s) and Witnesses
After being involved in a car accident, gather as much information as possible from everyone involved in the crash. This information will help your attorney investigate the accident and determine liability.
First, you should collect the contact information of the other driver(s) involved in the accident, including:
- Full name
- Phone number
- Driver’s license number
- Insurance information
- Vehicle’s make, model, and license plate number
Next, obtain contact information for eyewitnesses. This might include other passengers or drivers who witnessed the crash. Witnesses can provide valuable testimony and help your attorney figure out what happened.
When speaking to the other driver(s) and witnesses, remain calm and avoid admitting fault or apologizing. These types of statements could be seen as an admission of guilt. Stick to the facts and avoid speculation about what happened. Do not say anything that could be used against you to reduce your claim.
When collecting information, you can take notes or pictures of the other driver’s insurance card and license. No matter how you collect it, this information will be crucial when your attorney is building a case.
Document the Accident Scene
Taking photos and notes of the accident scene can help your attorney build a strong compensation case. When taking photos, capture every detail of the scene, including:
- Damage to your vehicle and any other vehicles involved
- Road conditions
- Location of the accident
- Visible injuries you sustained
- Traffic signals, stop signs, or anything that could have contributed to the accident
- Skid marks
Writing down notes about the accident can also bolster your case. Remember to write these notes down immediately, while the details are still fresh in your mind.
What should you write about? Start by telling your story. No detail is too big or too small. Discuss how you felt, what you were doing, and the things you saw and heard. Be sure to include a detailed description of what happened before and during the accident, including any conversations or actions.
Contacting Your Insurance Company
You must report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible, even if the accident was not your fault. Many insurance policies contain clauses that require policyholders to report accidents immediately. Failing to report the accident could result in a denial of your claim.
Reporting the accident to your insurance company starts the claims process and protects your legal rights. By reporting the accident immediately, you give your insurance company time to investigate the accident, determine who is at fault, and assist you in dealing with the other driver’s insurance company.
What Do I Say to the Insurance Adjuster?
When communicating with the insurance adjuster, be honest and provide them with the information they need to handle your claim. However, remember to be careful about what you say and how you say it. Even though they’re your insurance company, it’s still in their best interest to pay as little as possible.
Do not admit fault or speculate about who was at fault for the accident. Stick to the facts and only provide information about the accident you are certain about.
When you talk to the insurance adjuster, make a record of your conversation and who you spoke with. Note the date, time, and content of the conversation. This will help you track the progress of your claim and ensure that everything is handled correctly.
If you are unsure how to handle communications with the insurance adjuster, consider getting legal help. A personal injury attorney can help you navigate the claims process and negotiate with the insurance adjuster to ensure that you receive fair compensation.
Managing Medical Treatment and Receipts
After a car accident, it’s essential to document and keep records of everything related to your medical treatment and expenses. This documentation will help you build a strong case and recover damages from the at-fault party’s insurance company
Keep track of all visits to the hospital, doctor’s appointments, and physical therapy sessions. In addition, collect all bills and receipts related to your medical treatment, including prescriptions, medical equipment, and transportation costs.
These receipts will help your case and ensure that you receive compensation for all your expenses. If your case proceeds to trial, having copies of your medical bills and receipts will strengthen your case.
Keeping a journal is one of the most effective ways to document your injuries, pain, and suffering after a car accident. In your journal, write down details about your medical treatment, including doctor visits, medications, and physical therapy sessions. Be sure to describe any pain or discomfort you’re experiencing and how it’s affecting your daily life.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t do any good to keep records if you can’t find them. Instead of jotting things down in margins or on scrap paper, try your best to organize your medical records and notes. You can organize your records in a file folder or binder, or use a digital tool like a spreadsheet or cloud-based storage. Be sure to keep all your records in one place and label them clearly. You should also make backup copies of your records in case of loss or damage.
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Seeking Legal Assistance
You’ve got enough to deal with after a serious auto accident. You’re likely overwhelmed with trying to attend doctor’s appointments and therapy sessions. You may be struggling to return to work and provide for your family. Your time is valuable, and it’s better spent focusing on rebuilding your life after an accident.
Hiring an Arkansas car accident lawyer like ours at Rainwater, Holt & Sexton can make recovering a little easier by taking some of the legal burdens off your shoulders. We’ll take care of the complicated details and deadlines so that you can invest your energy into healing.
Reasons To Call a Personal Injury Attorney
There are several reasons why you may need to seek the assistance of a personal injury attorney after getting into a car accident:
If your case involves multiple parties or is particularly complex, a personal injury attorney can help you navigate the legal system and protect your rights.
Insurance companies often focus on protecting their bottom line rather than providing you the compensation you deserve. If you have trouble getting the insurance company to pay for your damages, a personal injury attorney can help you negotiate a fair settlement.
If you have been seriously injured in a car accident, you may require long-term medical care and have trouble returning to work. When this happens, your attorney can guide you through the next steps and help you collect compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
If you lost a loved one to a car accident, you will need a wrongful death attorney on your side. You and your family should not have to endure financial hardships on top of the grief you already feel. Your lawyer will offer compassionate guidance and help you explore all your legal options.
How to Choose the Right Personal Injury Lawyer
Choosing a personal injury lawyer can be a crucial decision, and it can significantly affect the outcome of your case and the compensation you receive. How do you know if you’re choosing the right attorney, and what can you look for when selecting a lawyer?
Find a lawyer with experience handling similar cases. Ask about their success rate in handling cases similar to yours and what kind of settlements or verdicts they have obtained for their clients.
Research the lawyer’s reputation by reading reviews and asking for referrals from friends or family members. A lawyer’s reputation can often give you an idea of their level of expertise and the quality of their work.
Meet the lawyer in person or virtually. You want an opportunity to discuss your case and get a feel for their communication style and approach. A consultation will allow you to ask questions, discuss your options, and determine if the lawyer is a good fit.
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