Five Most Frequently Asked Questions After An Auto Accident

Life is full of surprises, both good and bad. Car accidents are almost always a surprise. They have a way of catching you off guard – even the most knowledgeable, responsible motorist can find themselves confused and overwhelmed in the wake of a collision. If you’ve been in a car accident, you likely have a number of pressing questions that need answering. Here are the solutions to five of the most common car accident conundrums:

1. Should I Call the Police?

It’s always a good idea to inform the police about your accident, no matter how serious the wreck or injuries may or may not be. A minor fender bender might not seem like a big deal, but if you develop whiplash, you’ll want official record of the crash for the insurance company. Police may not necessarily come to the scene of the accident if they’re not needed, but allow the officials to make that call. Cover your bases and call the police no matter how insignificant your crash might feel.

2. Should I Report the Accident to My Insurance Company?

Insurance companies require their policyholders to report their collisions immediately after they happen. In some cases, though, it’s best to discuss your situation with a lawyer before making the call. If your actions contributed to the collision in any way, it may be worth calling a local personal injury attorney for guidance. They’ll help you understand your options and ensure you don’t incriminate yourself in your statements to the insurance company.

Whether you decide to talk to a lawyer or skip straight to reporting the incident to the insurance company, you’ll want to move fast. Most insurance companies expect accidents to be reported immediately after they occur. Wait too long, and you could face increased premium rates or even be dropped by the company altogether.

3. Who Will Pay for My Hospital Bills?

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, the medical bills will begin stacking up quickly. In addition to any services rendered by EMTs and ambulances at the scene, you may also accrue hospital bills for your treatment, surgery, and medication. Thankfully, your insurance company – or the other driver’s insurer – will likely cover these costs.

In most cases, though, you’ll need to pay medical bills out of pocket initially. You’ll be reimbursed by the at-fault driver’s insurance company, but it may take several weeks, or even months, to see that money. If you’re struggling to pay hospital bills, talk with the billing department. Unfortunately, car accidents happen every day, sending injured people to clinics and healthcare facilities nationwide. Such locations often feature payment plans and deferred payment options.

4. Can I be Held Liable for Injuries?

If your choices behind the wheel contributed to the wreck in any way, you can be held responsible for the damage done. For instance, if you were texting and driving second before you were T-boned by a tractor-trailer, you may be found partially responsible for the accident. Depending on the laws in the state where the wreck occurred, any contributory negligence can impact your ability to recoup costs associated with the incident.

In most states, however, your behavior behind the wheel is factored into the overall context of the accident. If you’re 10 percent to blame for the collision, for example, you’ll still be entitled to 90 percent of the damages. A personal injury lawyer can help you understand the rules and regulations surrounding this dynamic.

5. Do I Need a Lawyer?

Not every crash warrants legal action, but in most cases, it’s worth talking to a car accident attorney about your options. While we’d like to believe the insurance company has our best interests in mind, these corporations are primarily motivated by profit. They’ll generally use any excuse they can find to not pay car accident victims what they’re owed. Your own personal injury lawyer, on the other hand, will advocate for you and ensure your rights are protected.

If you’ve been hurt in a crash, consider setting up a consultation with a local accident attorney as soon as possible. These initial appointments are often free, and many lawyers work on a contingency basis. With no payment due until after the firm has helped recover an accident settlement, there’s little risk in working with an experienced lawyer.

Need help connecting with a reputable personal injury attorney in your area? Lawsuit Info Center can help. Call 877-810-4067 to connect with us now.

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