When to Hire an Attorney After a Car Accident

Victims of motor vehicle accidents often experience significant financial and personal harm. This is especially true when the collision resulted from another person’s negligence.  

Accident victims shouldn’t have to pay the costs associated with their collision. When a reckless or careless driver causes others harm, they can be held legally and financially responsible.

Most people who are harmed in collisions wonder when to hire an attorney after a car accident. Failing to pursue legal recourse quickly after a crash may result in the dismissal of your tort claim.

If you’re wondering when to hire an attorney after a car accident, reach out to the legal team at Morgan & Morgan. Our skilled collision lawyers know how to fight for maximum compensation in tort claims. When we take your traffic accident case, we’ll help you pursue financial repayment for medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses.

Don’t allow a negligent driver to deny you the financial aid you’re entitled to.

We know that car accident victims face major financial burdens. That’s why our firm operates on a contingency fee payment agreement. You won’t be expected to pay any fees for representation unless and until we get money for you.

Fill out the simple contact form on the Morgan and Morgan website today to schedule a free case evaluation.

Steps to Take After a Car Accident

The minutes and hours after a traffic collision are often stressful. With that in mind, it’s critical to understand what steps to take in the wake of a crash. 

Taking stock of your situation will also help you determine when to hire an attorney after a car accident. After being involved in a motor vehicle collision, you’ll want to take the following important actions:

Check for Injuries

The most important thing in the event of a car crash is confirming the well-being of those involved.

Make sure to check yourself carefully for injuries. If you’re severely hurt, don’t attempt to move before medical care responders arrive. Otherwise, after assessing your own condition, check to see if any of the other drivers involved have been hurt.

Don’t attempt to move anyone who’s seriously injured. Instead, contact 911 to request medical responders. If there are no severe injuries, proceed to the next step.

Get to a Safe Location

As soon as it’s safe to do so, move your vehicle out of the path of oncoming traffic. This will help to prevent further injuries and property damage. If you can, move your car to a sidewalk or off to the side of the road. Keep in mind, however, that this won’t always be possible.

If your car isn’t driveable, try to get yourself to a safe location. Never remain in a dangerous spot just because your vehicle is no longer functional.

Contact the Authorities

In many states, drivers are required to report car accidents to local law enforcement. Calling 911 is a great way to request necessary medical assistance at the scene while informing the police of the crash.

Beyond the legal requirements, contacting the police is also important for obtaining a copy of the motor vehicle accident report. This report will provide an authoritative third-party account of the collision. 

Police accident reports often contain the following important information:

• The names of those involved
• Contact information for all drivers
• A detailed description of the collision
• The names of the reporting officers
• Descriptions of weather and road conditions 

Make sure you request a copy of the police accident report after your collision. Considering the available evidence can help you decide when to hire an attorney after a car accident.

Keep Conversations to a Minimum

While waiting for the authorities to arrive at the crash scene, keep discussions with the other drivers to a minimum. Never discuss who’s to blame for the accident. 

Even if you believe you caused the collision, you might be wrong. Accepting the blame or apologizing for a motor vehicle crash may affect your chances of recovering the compensation you need.

Exchange Information

Although you shouldn’t discuss liability in the immediate aftermath of a crash, it’s important to gather information from the other drivers. Exchanging contact and insurance information will ensure that you can seek compensation from the at-fault person’s insurer. 

Make it a point to ask the other drivers for the following information: 

• Their names
• Their phone numbers
• Their email addresses
• Their driver’s license and license plate numbers
• The VIN numbers of the vehicles involved
• The makes, models, and colors of the vehicles involved

It’s also helpful to take notes about your experience of the crash. Write down details concerning the weather conditions, driver behaviors, road obstacles, and anything else that seems relevant. 

Still wondering when to hire an attorney after a car accident? Don’t wait. It’s important to collect evidence and hire a legal professional as soon as possible to ensure prompt and adequate payment.

Notify Your Insurance Provider

In almost all cases, accident victims should report collisions to their insurance companies. Beginning the claims process will help you to recover the money you’re rightfully owed. 

However, you shouldn’t attempt to negotiate with the insurance agency without the guidance of a knowledgeable tort lawyer from Morgan & Morgan. Our accomplished negotiators will ensure that you don’t say anything to undermine the validity of your car accident claim.

Your provider may require certain pieces of evidence to process your claim. If another person was responsible for the crash you experienced, a Morgan and Morgan car accident lawyer can help you pursue a claim.