Getting into a car accident can be utterly devastating for any person, and it is especially scary when there are serious injuries involved. Each year in the United States, there are more than 5 million car accidents, with approximately 21,000 deaths and at least 2 million injuries. If you have been injured, you probably have several questions about what happens next, such as “Who should I call after a car accident?” or “Do I need a personal injury lawyer?”
If you’re having trouble planning your next moves after an accident, here are some commonly asked questions to help you decide what to do:
Who should I call after a car accident?
Ads on TV may tell you that you need to call an attorney as soon as you’re hit. However, there are a few steps you must follow first in order to possibly work with an auto accident attorney later. First thing’s first, you’ll need to call 911 to report the accident, regardless of whether anyone has been hurt. If you are unable to call 911, someone else should do so for you. Make sure that you get the other driver’s license plate and car make and model, in case the accident is a hit and run. If anyone has been injured, be sure to ask for emergency services. At the scene, an officer will create an accident report, which you can have access to later.
Once you have left the scene of the accident, or the hospital after being treated for injuries, you will need to talk to your insurance company to file a claim. This is something you will have to do regardless of fault in the incident so your insurance company and that of the other driver will investigate the collision.
But when it comes to attorneys, you may wonder, who should I call after a car accident? After your claim is in and you have been treated for any injuries, you should choose a personal injury lawyer who can handle your case and get you the settlement you deserve. Even if you haven’t been seriously injured, an auto accident lawyer can work with insurance companies to make sure you aren’t responsible for the damage caused by others.
Am I a victim of DUI?
If the other driver at the scene was tested with a breathalyzer, you should know right away whether or not that driver was drunk. However, a DUI could also cover a driver under the influence of prescription or illegal drugs, which can lead to impaired driving. You may have to call the police department to find out about the status of your case and see if the other driver was tested for alcohol and other substances, especially if they were unconscious at the scene of the accident.
Do I need a personal injury lawyer?
If you were seriously injured and incurred considerable medical bills as the result of your accident, and you were not at fault, then you will likely need to work with a personal injury attorney. However, even if you were not seriously injured, or only sustained mild to moderate injuries, you could still work with a lawyer after your car accident. It’s best to meet with an attorney to review your case and find out how much you are entitled to.
Have more questions about a car accident case? Be sure to contact an attorney as soon as possible. You can also leave a comment below with general questions about vehicle accident cases.