You probably have many questions if you have been in a car accident. Two primary records are made after a crash: driver and witness report. These are important for the claims process. However, there is a difference between the on-scene account and an official statement. Consult a lawyer before making statements after an accident.
Do not apologize
Many people are tempted to apologize after a car accident, but doing so could be counterproductive. While it may feel natural, saying “I’m sorry” will be construed as an admission of guilt, which could be used against you in a personal injury lawsuit. Instead, try to remain calm and keep silent.
Often, car accidents aren’t clear-cut as to which driver is at fault, but apologizing will only help the other driver’s case. Unfortunately, it will also hurt your chances of recovering damages, so it’s best to avoid apologizing altogether. Instead, you can exchange insurance and contact information with the other driver. If you are burdened trying not to say sorry, try to ask an auto accident attorney Seattle for help.
If the other driver apologizes after a car accident, the insurance company will not be able to pay the full amount of compensation. Since insurance companies are trying to protect their interests, they will often deny or reduce compensation after a car accident.
Statement of fault
When you are involved in a car accident, the first thing you should not do is make a statement of fault. The insurance company wants to protect itself, so you should avoid anything interpreted as an admission of guilt. You should also avoid discussing the details of the accident with others. Your attorney will be able to help you protect your rights and interests.
The second thing you must do after an accident is to get medical attention. It can take a long time for injuries to manifest, so it is important to get a thorough checkup. In addition, it will make getting benefits and damages easier if you can receive proper treatment. If you cannot contact the other driver, exchange their contact information. Also, make sure to get the insurance policy information of both parties. It is also helpful to collect photos of your injuries.
Statement of fault
Consulting with an auto accident attorney is important before making a formal statement of fault if you have been involved in a car accident. Insurance companies will likely use this statement to prove their point of view. The truth is most people cannot make a clear statement without the help of an attorney.
If you have been involved in an accident, exchange contact information with the other driver. Obtain their name, insurance information, and license plate number. Reporting the accident also ensures that a police report is prepared. The report will act as official documentation of the incident. The police report, as well as the accident medical reports, can prove useful in establishing fault. In addition, the police officer on the scene may act as a mediator between the parties involved in the accident.
Case costs
Legal fees for car accident cases can vary depending on the nature of the case. Attorney fees may be based on projected timelines, or they may be based on the actual amount of work required. Generally, a more experienced auto accident attorney will charge more than someone less experienced. Therefore, it is important to discuss costs in advance. A fee of up to 40% of the settlement amount is standard, but the fee may vary from state to state and case to case.
There are other expenses involved in filing a lawsuit. These expenses include filing fees to the court, serving the driver with a complaint, expert witness fees, and medical records. Some attorneys will charge these costs directly from the settlement, but others will require the client to pay them upfront.
Don’t leave the scene
If you are involved in a car accident, it is important not to leave the scene because leaving the scene of the accident can lead to hit-and-run charges, jail time, and suspension of your license. Furthermore, if you were at fault for the accident, leaving the scene will mean you are guilty of hit-and-run. If you were hurt in the accident, seek medical attention immediately.
Call highway patrol to file a report of the accident if possible. The police report will help you later if you choose to take legal action. In addition, insurance companies often require police reports of accidents. You can also call the non-emergency police number if you feel unsafe calling 911.
