Car Accident Lawyer

Getting in a car accident can leave you jostled and confused from the impact, but that’s only the tip of the iceberg for what you might have to face later. The fallout from an accident could mean brining a lawsuit against the other driver, dealing with a settlement or even going to trial to ensure you’re rightfully compensated for the effect the accident will have on your future. Here are the top questions you may need the answers to if you ever find yourself in a wreck.

What Should You Do Immediately Following the Accident?

Depending on the severity of the accident, you may be discombobulated and unsure of yourself, but it’s essential to be thorough with these steps. They may become important when filing a claim with your insurance company or settling out of court later:

• Make sure no one involved in the accident is injured, and call emergency services if necessary.
• Exchange information with the other driver involved in the crash, like names, insurance policies and contact information.
• Give the police your statement of what happened; this could be used later in a trial.
• Take pictures of the accident scene and vehicle damage as proof for your insurance.
• Contact your insurance agency to inform them of the crash.
• If anyone saw the accident happen, take witness statements that can be used later to corroborate your story.

What Does a Car Accident Trial Involve?

If you end up going to trial, you can expect some common steps from the process. First, the jury will be chosen to sit in on your trial. The trial will begin with opening statements first from the plaintiff, since they are the one’s trying to prove their case, and then from the defendant. Next, the plaintiff will provide all their evidence for the case, followed by the defendant’s evidence; this may include calling witnesses to the stand. Closing arguments will be made in a final attempt to convince the jury of each side’s case, and the jury will convene until they reach a decision, which could take hours or days.

How Do You Get Paid Once You’ve Won a Case?

The other driver’s insurance agency is responsible for paying you once a monetary amount has been decided. If you’ve won in a settlement, the agency will be given a certain number of days to send you a check, after which you can start accumulating interest. Settling in court often takes much more time, and a check is usually mailed 15 to 45 days after the trial.

Don’t be afraid to discuss your case with a car accident lawyer, like from David & Philpot P.L.,  if you’re unsure who’s responsible for the accident or how to proceed. Insurance agencies will often try to settle quickly while paying the least amount possible, so it’s important to know your stance and how much you truly deserve for your accident.