What To Do After a Car Accident Not Your Fault

Most car accidents have unfortunate consequences, including vehicle damage, property damage, and bodily injury. Fortunately, you may be entitled to compensation if you’ve suffered a loss or injury in a car accident that was someone else’s fault.

After an accident, identifying the liable party is crucial to filing a successful insurance claim. You can also sue the liable party to obtain compensation from the liable party if you were injured in a car accident.

Consider hiring a trusted car accident attorney from The Barnes Firm to advise you on the steps to protect your rights after a car accident.

Steps to Take When Involved in a Car Accident That’s Not Your Fault

Step 1: Mind Your Safety

After an accident, take a few measures to protect your safety and the well-being of other road users.

Here are a few things you can do to enhance your safety:

• Move yourself or your vehicle to the side of the road if it is safe to do so
• Contact the local medical department or 911 if someone has sustained an injury
• Inform the police about the incident

Step 2: Gather Information About the Incident

When involved in an accident that’s not your fault, you should gather information to provide evidence on how the crash occurred. Since accidents cause severe injuries and expensive damages, evidence of the incident ensures that the liable party compensates you.

If possible, obtain the following information from the accident scene:

• Phone number, address, driver’s license, name, and license plate number of any individual involved in the car crash
• Contact details and names of passengers and accident witnesses
• Names and contact details of the police officer
• A copy of the police accident report, if available
• Videos and pictures of the damages related to the car crash and the accident scene

Step 3: Seek Medical Attention

If you sustain an injury in a car crash, seek immediate medical attention. It is possible to sustain internal injuries whose symptoms appear hours, days, or weeks after the incident. Seeking timely medical attention is a crucial step in receiving a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Your healthcare provider will also document the injuries, providing additional evidence necessary in your quest to obtain compensation.

Step 4: Speak to Car Accident Attorney

An experienced car accident attorney can help you understand your rights and help you hold the at-fault party accountable. They can also guide you on filing an insurance claim and pursuing the matter in court— if need be.

Step 5: Contact Your Insurance Company

Regardless of the at-fault party, you should inform your insurance company about the car crash. Remember not to accept any initial offers from insurance without speaking with an experienced car accident attorney.

Should I Get a Lawyer for an Accident That Wasn’t My Fault?

Yes, you should always speak with a car accident attorney when you are in a crash that was not your fault. Being involved in a car accident is a traumatic experience, which can leave you confused about how to respond. When everything indicates the other driver is at fault for the accident, having the right legal representation can make a huge difference.

Having an Understanding of Personal Injury and Car Accident Law

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, you likely lack a thorough understanding of complex, but relevant, legal issues like comparative negligence and statutes of limitations. A car accident attorney has deep legal knowledge, giving them insights on applying and navigating complex legal matters.

An attorney will also evaluate the circumstances of your case to determine if your case is worth pursuing.

More importantly, a car accident attorney may assess the type of damages applicable to your case, including medical expenses, lost income, emotional anguish, pain and suffering, and reduced quality of life.

Avoid Settling Too Soon

An insurer will likely table a settlement offer once the liable party is apparent. In most cases, the first offer from an insurer is insufficient to cover your losses, highlighting the need to consult a car accident attorney.

A car accident attorney will evaluate the injury-related losses vis-a-vis the settlement offer and determine the next steps. Consequently, an attorney can negotiate a higher settlement value with the insurer if the settlement is insufficient.

Alternatively, an attorney can litigate the matter before a jury to obtain a court order that compels the liable party to pay.

Intervene If the At-fault Party Declines Your Claim

If the at-fault party’s insurer blames you for the accident, an attorney can provide evidence to counter the misleading claim. An attorney has a strong network of professionals whom they can rely on to gather the following evidence:

• Medical records
• Police reports
• Witness statements
• Surveillance footage from nearby shops
• Expert opinions
• Images of the accident scene
• Diagnostic tests

A car accident attorney will apply different pieces of evidence to prove fault on the other party and help you get the compensation you deserve.

Establishing the Settlement Amount

You’re more likely to obtain sufficient compensation if you understand the extent of your losses. An attorney will consider various circumstances of your case, including the severity of the injury, recovery period, or long-term impact on your life, to establish the value of your losses.

Based on the estimated value, an attorney can negotiate with the insurer for a better value that matches your losses.

Never Wait Get Legal Help From an Experienced Car Accident Attorney

The aftermath of a car accident is often challenging to manage. You’ll have to endure physical injuries, mounting medical bills, lost productivity, and emotional anguish. You, therefore, deserve representation from an experienced attorney at The Barnes Firm, who’ll aggressively represent your interest. We can confirm who should be liable for your injuries and seek compensation.

While filing an insurance claim may be stressful, working with legal aid makes it seamless. Consider engaging an experienced attorney from The Barnes Firm with a proven track record of obtaining millions of dollars of settlement.

Contact us online or at (800) 800-0000 for a free case evaluation.

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Richard Barnes – President of The Barnes Firm

Richard Barnes: “As President of The Barnes Firm, I have dedicated my career to achieving justice in hundreds of cases for the victims of injuries caused through the fault of others. Additionally, I have been honored to have been elected Best Lawyer and a Super Lawyer”

Years of Experience: 30+ years
LinkedIn Profile: Richard Barnes