As our lives become filled with more activities away from home, more and more people hurry along our roads and freeways. It is not surprising that vehicle accidents occur every second of the day. Approximately twelve million vehicle accidents occur annually, involving over 21 million cars, buses, trucks, motorcycles, and pedestrians. Due to this alarming frequency of accidents, it is likely that you or a loved one will be involved in a vehicle accident in your lifetime. For this reason, it is important to understand your rights and legal options after a vehicle accident. 

If you are involved in a vehicle accident which was caused, intentionally or accidentally, by another party,you may be eligible to seek compensation for your losses. While we cannot prevent vehicle accidents, we often protect our families and ourselves by purchasing auto insurance. We expect that our insurance carrier will look out for our best interests after vehicle accidents to ensure we receive the compensation we need and deserve. Tragically, this is not always the case. Insurance companies often have their own best interests in mind and will not sufficiently protect you in your time of need.

It is, therefore, important to learn how to proceed after a vehicle accident to protect your legal interests. After a vehicle accident, people are often flustered and disoriented. It is important to stay calm and properly assess the situation. It is also crucial to remain level-headed to avoid saying anything that might hurt you down the road. Apologizing or taking blame for the accident- even if it is not your fault- can be used against you in the future.

After vehicle accidents, it is important to call the police to the scene. Calling the police is especially important after vehicle accidents involving personal injury. The police will document the accident; thus providing credible information about your vehicle accident. It is also imperative to gather as much information as possible at the scene of the accident. Get the other driver’s name, address, driver’s license number, phone number, insurance provider’s name and policy number, the vehicle’s color, make, model, license plate and VIN number, and other details. Ask any available witnesses for their names and contact information. Document everything you remember about the auto accident. Take pictures at the scene of the accident.

It is also important to contact your insurance company as soon as possible. They will ask for information about the accident, others involved, witnesses, and other pertinent facts. In most cases, your insurance company will be in contact with the other driver’s insurance company to determine liability and handle costs. An adjuster will often investigate the extent of your losses to determine what you will need to recover from the accident. In some cases, you may forfeit all compensation if you are found even partially liable for the vehicle accident. In other cases, you may be eligible for coverage beyond your deductible. It is important to know the benefits you have through your insurance plan.

When vehicle accidents result in serious personal injury or property losses, it is extremely beneficial to speak with a qualified attorney to protect your interests. If you feel you have not received adequate compensation for your losses, the help of an experienced attorney is paramount. A vehicle accident attorney will look out for your best interests throughout the entire process to ensure that you are rightly compensated. You may be able to file a claim to recover damages including medical expenses, loss of income, property damages, disability, and pain and suffering. Please contact us to speak with one of our renowned vehicle accident attorneys to protect and maximize your legal interests.