Car accidents don’t happen every day, but they do happen. And if you’re in one of those unfortunate situations where a car accident has happened to you, and it’s been caused by another person, what is the next step?
The first and most important thing you must do is call an ambulance. Even if there aren’t severe injuries, it’s always better to be safe than sorry! The second step is finding a lawyer. Suppose you have any suspicion at all that your injury or the damage to your vehicle resulted from someone else’s carelessness or negligence. In that case, hiring an attorney is necessary for protecting your rights.
1. You’ve Received an “Excessive Damages” Letter
If you or your family have received a letter from the other party’s insurance company describing their case against you, the amount of money they feel you’ve damaged them, and how they intend to collect. The letter may also indicate that a lawyer has been retained to represent their case.
2. The Other Driver Didn’t Report the Accident
If they don’t report your accident and it was not reported by any witnesses, law enforcement, or a hospital, then some insurance companies will claim it couldn’t have happened. They will attempt to deny you have any rights or are entitled to money.
3. The Other Person Was Intoxicated
If the driver was visibly intoxicated, this alone would not be enough for them to lose their case. However, if there is evidence that the other party was under the influence of drugs or alcohol at one time, they can not be held liable for their actions.
4. There Was Extensive Property Damage
When there is extensive property damage, it might mean that an individual is personally responsible for the accident. To ensure your safety, call a car accident attorney as soon as possible and discuss the incident’s details.
5. You Believe You Were Not the One at Fault
This extremely serious situation can result in the person who caused your car wreck being charged due to falsifying information on an official document or lying to a law enforcement officer. It is serious, so they should call a lawyer immediately to receive the best defense.
6. The Insurance Adjuster Has Offered an Unfair Settlement
Sometimes insurance companies lowball people when it comes time for them to pay out on claims. One way to tell if this is happening to you is if the adjuster makes no effort to negotiate with you after the accident. He’ll just hand you a settlement agreement and expect you to sign it without reading it, which is unacceptable. Unfortunately, little can be done about this since these settlements are considered binding once signed. Still, a lawyer has an excellent chance of getting a better settlement on your behalf.
So keep these 6 signs in mind if you need advice after an automobile collision. It is clever to consult with an experienced lawyer who will assess your situation and determine if you are entitled to compensation or not. Having the right lawyer is key.
