Being involved in a car accident can leave you feeling flustered and uncertain; simply put, it can be challenging to know how to proceed, what steps to take in order to safeguard your health and prioritize your legal standing. Any time you have questions about a car accident or its aftermath, you’re welcome to call AA Accident Attorneys. We’re always happy to chat. As an additional resource, we’ve put together a car accident FAQ, which we hope will be an asset to you.
Questions and Answers from Our Car Accident Lawyers
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What should I do following an accident?
First and foremost, stay on the scene. Don’t leave until you’re given permission to do so by the police. Fleeing the scene can be a crime in and of itself! If your vehicle is in the way of traffic, and puts other drivers at risk, try moving it to the shoulder… but only if you can safely do so. Make sure you call either the police or the highway patrol. When they arrive, offer your account of what happened, without apologizing or admitting blame. Don’t leave until they tell you that you may. We would also recommend collecting the name, insurance information, and contact information of other drivers involved in the accident. If witnesses are present, ask for their contact information, just in case you need them to verify your account at a later date.
Should I seek medical attention?
According to our car accident lawyers, it’s always important to seek medical evaluation, even if you don’t think you need it. You might assume you’re unharmed, but many of the most common car accident injuries take days, even weeks to manifest. In other words, you may have injuries you don’t know about. Additionally, seeking a medical evaluation allows you to prove to the insurance adjuster that you made a good faith effort to keep your injuries to a minimum. Even if you don’t think you need medical care, it’s always wise to seek advice from an urgent care facility, the ER, or your regular doctor.
What should I say to the police?
Talking to the police may feel intimidating, but all you have to do is offer a short, factual account of what happened. Don’t admit to fault, even if you think you caused the accident. Also, try to keep emotions out of it; don’t throw blame onto the other drivers, or call them names. Simply state your account of what happened and allow the officers to reach their own conclusions about who was to blame. Also make sure you ask when you will receive a copy of the police report, which can be helpful to you as you file an insurance claim or take the matter to court.
If the other driver was found to be at fault, does that mean I can seek compensation?
Typically, if the other driver is found to be at fault, that means you can seek compensation, including reimbursement for lost wages, medical expenses, property damage, and other out-of-pocket costs accrued as a result of the accident.
What happens if the other driver is uninsured?
This can be a complicated scenario, but your car accident lawyer will be able to advise you on how to proceed. You may have uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, allowing you to seek compensation from your own insurance carrier. And, if the other driver was “on the job” at the time of the accident, you may be able to seek compensation from their employer’s insurance.
Should I give a statement to the other driver’s insurance company?
Before talking to an insurance adjuster, always consult with your car accident lawyer! Remember that insurance companies may try to trick you into saying things that undermine your case, or they may misconstrue your language to try to deny or underpay your claim.
The insurance company sent me a check. Should I accept it?
Don’t cash or deposit a check from the insurance company until you’ve talked it over with one of our car accident lawyers! The reason is simple: These checks often constitute a “final settlement,” which means that if you accept the payment, you cannot pursue any further reimbursement or take additional legal action. Accepting the check may not be in your best interests, especially if it’s a check that comes early in the claims process.
I wasn’t wearing a seatbelt at the time of my car accident injury. Can I still seek damages?
This can be a complicated scenario, and in some cases, failure to wear a seatbelt can limit the reimbursement you seek. With that said, you can often seek some financial restitution. Talk to your car accident lawyer to learn more.
The insurance company has asked for my medical records. Should I release them?
Definitely not… at least not without running it by your attorney. The insurance company may try to use your records to undermine your case or question your credibility. Always ask your attorney before you release any medical records to anyone.
If I file a personal injury claim, does that mean I’ll have to go to court?
Sometimes it does, but more often, personal injury claims are settled out of court.
What if I believe I was to blame, in full or in part, for the accident?
It’s pretty normal to feel a little bit guilty following a car accident. Remember, first and foremost, that you’re probably not in the best position to make that assessment, as accidents can leave you feeling shaken up or disoriented. And even if you really do think you were at fault, that doesn’t mean it’s wise to say so. Allow the police officers on the scene to investigate and draw their own conclusions.
My memory of the accident conflicts with what I said on the scene. Will that be a problem?
It’s very common to remember things differently after a few days have passed, or to misstate things at the scene of the accident. Explain the situation to your lawyer, and they can help you get your case back on track.
I was in an accident, and my airbags never deployed. Does that mean I can sue the manufacturer of the car?
Maybe so. First, talk to a car accident lawyer. A good attorney will enlist an engineer to appraise your car and determine why the airbags didn’t deploy. Then you can discuss the possibility of legal action.
Do You Have Additional Questions for Our Car Accident Lawyers?
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Why Us?
Over $150,000,000 collected*- We come to you anywhere in CA!
- Paul is a retired police officer
- Your case will be backed by a firm with over 40yrs combined experience
- We average a 98% success rate for our clients!
- If we don’t win – you DON’T pay!
Former Clients:
I’d never been in a car accident in my whole life.I had originally hired an attorney, and he had dropped my case. So I came to the Accident Attorneys and they took on my case. They were amazing. They did a really good job. And I didn’t have to handle anything. In the end I’m very satisfied with my settlement.
The only people that looked out for me was AA Accident Attorneys. I can never thank you guys enough. I was totally surprised by how much money you guys were able to get for me. I’m really excited about the settlement I got. I couldn’t be happier with AA Accident Attorneys!
We found Accident Attorneys, and finding them was probably the best thing that happened to us right then, because we were very well taken care of. They came out to us. We didn’t have to go to them. We was very well compensated financially. If I had to recommend an attorney, I would recommend them.
Recent Settlements
$ 2,000,000 from Security Company for Negligent Security Protection Public on Commercial Property.
$ 2,000,000 from Government Entity for Failure to Protect the Welfare of the Public.*
$ 4,000,000 Negligence resulting in burns.*
$ 1,500,000 Recovered for Passenger Involved in an Automobile Accident in San Bernadino County.*
$ 750,000 recover for injured driver involved in auto accident with tractor trailer.*
$15,000,000 from truck accident resulting in brain injury.*
$ 1,850,000 Recovered from Trucking Company for Negligent Hiring related to Auto Accident.*