If you’re in a car accident, you should do a few things immediately following the crash. First and foremost, make sure you and your passengers are okay. If anyone is injured, call 911 right away.
Once you’ve made sure everyone is safe, here are some other steps to take:
Remain calm and assess the situation
The best thing to do is, first and foremost, not to panic. Take a deep breath and think about the situation you are in. If there are people who are injured and need help, your priority is to get them out of the car as quickly and safely as possible.
Things to keep in mind before approaching the scene of an accident are:
-Is the car still on fire?
-Do you smell gasoline?
-Are there any downed power lines near the car?
If the answer to any of these questions is yes, it is best not to approach the car. If you must approach, do so with caution and stay clear of any areas that may pose a danger to you.
If the car is not on fire and there are no downed power lines, your next priority is to assess the situation and see if anyone needs medical attention.
If so, call 911 immediately and notify them of the situation. If the car is on fire, the next step would be to secure yourself and any other injured people. If no one is injured or it is safe to do so, you can attempt to put out the fire yourself by using a fire extinguisher that is on hand.
Once you have done all you can, it is important to exchange information with the other driver involved in the accident. Get their name, phone number, insurance information, and license plate number. It is also important to take pictures of the accident scene if possible.
Last but not least, Car wreck settlements vary by state. Contact an experienced car accident attorney who can help you navigate the legal process.
Contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss your case.
If you are in a car accident, you should first contact a personal injury lawyer. The lawyer will guide you through the legal process and help protect your rights since car wreck settlements vary by state. They will also help you get the deserved compensation.
What is the average settlement for a car accident?
Typical car accident settlement amounts are between $15,000 and $20,000. However, if you have suffered serious injuries, you may be entitled to more money. An experienced lawyer will fight for the maximum amount of compensation possible.
If you or a loved one has been in a car accident, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer today. The consultation is free, and you pay nothing unless you win your case.
How is the settlement value calculated?
Car wreck settlements vary by state. An experienced personal injury lawyer will be able to help you determine what your case is worth and how to get the most out of your settlement.
Some people choose to hire an accident attorney because they are unsure if they have a case or how much their case is worth. An accident attorney can help you determine whether or not you have a good chance of winning.
A contingency fee agreement
If the lawyer believes you have a case, they will likely offer to represent you on a contingency fee basis. Cooperate with the lawyer and provide any evidence or documentation they request.
A contingency fee agreement is a fee agreement where the lawyer will get paid if they win their case. If the lawyer doesn’t win, you don’t have to pay a fee. The typical contingency fee percentage is one-third of the total settlement amount. If you settle your case for $30,000, the lawyer will get $10,000.
Wait for a settlement or court decision
The most common advice you will hear from well-meaning people is that you should wait for the court decision. They will probably tell you that an insurance company or the courts will give you a fair settlement or verdict, so don’t worry about getting a lawyer. The problem with this approach is that it can take months or years to get to a settlement, and by then, the bills will pile up while you’re missing work.
Get a lawyer involved right away
Getting a lawyer is the best way to ensure that you are fairly compensated for your injuries. A good lawyer will help you navigate the insurance companies’ bureaucracy, gather evidence and testimony, and make sure that your rights are protected.
Conclusion:
What’s the best course of action following a car accident? If you have time to wait for a settlement or court decision, you may not need to hire a lawyer right away.
But if you want to be fairly compensated for injuries and damages, get a lawyer involved ASAP. Contact one today for a free consultation and get the typical car accident settlement amount you deserve.