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Car accidents are an unfortunate part of using the roads. If you find yourself involved in one, you may be unsure of what to do next. Common mistakes can lead to lengthy lawsuits. The right car accident attorney can help calm the situation and lead you in the right direction, helping you avoid costly litigation.
The car accident attorneys at the Smith Law Center are well-practiced in the field of car accident litigation. Contact us online or by calling (757) 244-7000. Continue reading to learn more about car accident litigation and the mistakes to avoid making.
What Are the Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid After a Car Accident?
After a car accident, you may feel helpless and unsure of the next steps to take. Car accidents, DUI accidents, even minor fender benders, can be traumatic experiences. You may be facing the inconvenience of having to have your car repaired or you may have sustained a life-altering injury. The most important thing you can do after any type of car accident is to seek medical treatment.
Some typical mistakes that people make after car accidents are:
1) Foregoing medical treatment:
It is important to seek medical treatment after a car accident to check for any underlying injuries. Some injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, are known as invisible injuries because their symptoms aren’t apparent until much later. Car accident injuries should be taken seriously. Additionally, visiting a doctor will create documentation of your injuries. This may be useful evidence for your attorney later on.
2) Failing to call the police:
After sustaining any sort of vehicle crash, it is important to notify law enforcement immediately. In the state of Virginia, in any accident where an injury occurs or damages exceed $1,000 the police must be notified. A police officer will be able to help you make sense of the situation as well as write an official police report. An official police report will also serve as valuable evidence for your car accident attorney.
3) Failing to gather relevant evidence:
In the aftermath of a car accident, gathering evidence is probably the furthest thing from your mind. However, you must take note of certain aspects of the scene. If you can, you may want to take photographs of the wreck and surrounding areas. Make sure you obtain an accident report from a police officer.
A car accident attorney can also help you gather evidence. An experienced attorney will know exactly what type of information is needed to begin building your case.
4) Admitting guilt:
After an accident, it is important to keep calm. While you should never lie to the police, there are factors that you may be unaware of that may have contributed to your accident. These factors may include weather conditions and the other driver’s actions. Admitting fault in a situation where you do not know all the facts may be problematic for you later.
5) Failing to contact a lawyer early on:
Contact an experienced car accident attorney as soon as possible after a crash. Oftentimes, people who have been involved in car accidents wait too long to contact a car accident lawyer. A car accident lawyer can handle the complicated details of your insurance claim. They will also be able to handle any kind of litigation that may arise out of the accident. If you have sustained a serious injury in a car accident, it is especially important to obtain representation as soon as possible.
Being aware of these avoidable mistakes can help you protect your car accident claim.
What Can a Car Accident Lawsuit Cover?
A car accident lawsuit may help you recover the finances you need to heal. Sometimes, litigation is the only way to ensure you have what you need to recover your health and property. Injuries sustained during car accidents can include broken bones, whiplash, brain injuries, as well as emotional pain.
An experienced car accident attorney will closely examine your situation and determine the amount of damages that you may be entitled to. Damages are monetary awards by the court intended to make the injured party whole.
Damages in a car accident may include:
- Lost wages and lost income
- Compensation for medical care
- Compensation for ongoing medical treatments
- Compensation for damage to your property
- Pain and suffering
You may also be awarded punitive damages or damages meant to punish behavior the court finds especially harmful.
Contact an Experienced Car Accident Attorney
When pursuing a car accident lawsuit, it is important to consider that law firm’s expertise and experience in handling cases similar to your own.
The attorneys at the Smith Law Center are dedicated to advocating for those injured in car accidents. We have achieved remarkable results for our clients injured in car accidents including a $7.5 million dollar jury verdict for a woman who was injured in a car crash. We have also obtained a $4.75 million dollar award for a woman who sustained a traumatic brain injury in a car accident.
If you have been injured in a car accident and need guidance, contact our team of car accident attorneys online or by calling (757) 244-7000. We are standing by to help you achieve justice in your case.
