How To Know If You Need a Car Accident Lawyer

Whether you or someone that you know has been injured or killed in a car accident, it is important to know your rights and legal options.

If you need a car accident lawyer, here are some helpful tips before speaking with an attorney.

1. Seek Medical Attention as soon as possible after the accident

Never assume that you do not have injuries because the pain has not yet begun to surface.

Sometimes soft tissue damage can take days to present itself and even longer for those who believe they are tough enough to ignore the injury until they feel better.

2. Take note of exactly what happened

Collect any evidence that will support your claim, like photos and witness statements.

Even if this is done by another person on behalf of yourself. It is always helpful to have a third party help you with the details.

3. Speak with a car accident lawyer

Do this before speaking with an insurance agent or representative from the other party if at all possible.

Insurance agents are trained in giving very specific answers that benefit their company and may not answer truthfully when asked questions about your rights and legal options .

This does not mean you cannot speak with them. Just be extra cautious when coming up with any agreement that they suggest on your behalf.

4. Do not admit guilt until you speak with an attorney

Likewise, do not initiate contact when speaking to anyone from the opposite side of the case until you have received information from a car accident lawyer and have been provided legal advice.

These conversations can be recorded and may be used against you in court later on.

5. Do not sign anything

Do not sign documentation or paperwork without reading it thoroughly first or having it reviewed by an attorney.

All information discussed with family members, friends, insurance representatives, police officers, health workers, hospital workers and anyone else involved becomes property of the court if ever needed as evidence.

6. Collect and save all medical records

When speaking to a car accident lawyer they will most likely ask for all of your medical records including doctor’s appointments, prescriptions filled , lab results/ x-rays , etc.

Having all of these items in one folio makes this step quick and painless .

7. Document time away from work

Keep track of check stubs from work during the time after the accident when you were unable to return or even present yourself.

If you did not miss work at all because of the accident, make sure to keep all pay stubs tallying up how much time was missed and why (doctor’s appointment, physical therapy, etc.)

If you need a car accident lawyer , it is important that they know your complete employment history for things like unemployment benefits or if the job requires special training that only you possess.

This may be beneficial in negotiations later on if your case becomes complicated.

8. Take care of your personal well-being

Lastly but equally as important, remember to take care of yourself overall while dealing with an injury after an accident.

It is easy to get overwhelmed by stress and become frustrated which can lead to emotional and physical illness. Have a support system in place consisting of friends and family who will guide you through this difficult time and refuse to let you give up.

Keep your head up and always remain optimistic no matter what the circumstances may be .

There is a light at the end of every tunnel. Just keep moving forward without quitting or letting fear set in. After all, good luck doesn’t come to those who wait.

In addition, always follow your local laws regarding liability insurance when involved in an accident.

Ensure that if required your personal injury protection (PIP) insurance is paid for by yourself and not the other driver to ensure at minimum coverage should anything happen while receiving medical assistance following an accident even if their policy’s liability coverage helps pay for your costs.

At Wood, Atter and Wolf, we strive to solve the most important problems when a client suffers personal injury.

The proven methods we employ create a working environment that allows all parties to resolve their differences.

Call us at (904) 355-8888 or schedule a consultation here. Together, we can make it through this stressful time in your life.