Hiring an Auto Accident Lawyer and Taking The Right Steps

Jan 19
10:50

2012

Anna Woodward

Anna Woodward

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You may need to hire an auto accident lawyer if you have been in a car crash. But if you want to be successful, you have to take the right steps from the moment of impact. These steps can be difficult to keep in mind, but do your best to remember.

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If you've been in a crash,Hiring an Auto Accident Lawyer and Taking The Right Steps Articles hiring an auto accident lawyer may well be in your future. A good attorney can help you get the money you're entitled to and allow you to pay your medical bills, fix your car, and cover lost wages without undue financial hardship. But if you want to be successful in such a case, you have to take the right steps from the very moment of impact. These steps can be difficult to remember, especially if the incident is severe, but do your best to keep these things in mind.

Stop The Car

Whether you think you're at fault or not, don't just drive away after a car crash. This is the law, and you can be arrested for hitting and running, even if you weren't even slightly responsible for the incident. Someone could be hurt, including yourself. Stop and wait for the authorities to determine where to go next. Exchange information with the other driver if the incident was not severe enough to require the services of 911. Consider calling the police, even in a minor incident. In some areas, it may be legally required.

Don't Assume or Admit Fault

Any auto accident lawyer will tell you that a car crash can be a complicated incident. Often, there is blame to be shared between the parties involved. No matter how obvious the blame may be, however, you're making a mistake by admitting fault. This could put you in a position to be liable for damage that you shouldn't be held liable for. For best results, simply keep quiet about the causes of the incident until the police start asking questions. Even then, avoid language like, "I was stupid to do this," or "It was my fault."

Seek Medical Attention

You might be surprised how "okay" you can seem after a car crash, yet still be the victim of injuries. People have suffered intense head injuries which later lead to death and felt as though they were fine immediately following the incident. If you were in a minor fender bender, there's probably little reason to get a checkup. If there was any trauma to your body or head, however, you're better off safe than sorry. While it isn't the main reason for doing so, a good auto accident lawyer will also prefer there be a medical record from the earliest point possible. At the very least, have the EMTs on scene—if there are any—give you a once over.