What to do after a Car Accident?

So, you met with a car accident and now you don’t know what to do. Whether to run from the spot or admit the responsibility of the collision.

When you are on the road and the other driver hits your car, the first thing you should do is to stop and make sure everyone inside your car (if applicable) and you are safe. Other than this, there are some more things you must consider to initiate your insurance claim.

Step 1

Make sure everyone inside your car is protected and is not injured by the collision. If not, identity if they need medical aid or intensive care.

Step 2

If you are not severely injured and able to move, and your car is causing a hazard for the traffic, then move your car to the corner of the street, otherwise stay wherever you are, and turn on the hazard lights of your car as a caution for the other drivers to slow down and call for help.

Step 3

Call 911. Whether the accident is thought to be major damage or a trivial fender-bender, calling the police for help in any of the matters is important. In most of the states, calling the police for help is a legal requirement after the collision.

Step 4

Follow the instruction given by the police, and inform your insurance company as well.

Step 5

If possible take photographs of the damages of both the cars, collect evidence as much as you can. You will be needing another driver’s name, contact number, address, insurance policy number, and license plate number.

Step 6

Collect information from the witnesses i.e. contact numbers and names.

Step 7

Keep yourself steady as your case proceeds, because your attitude can also hurt or help your case proceedings.

Step 8

If you got injured in the accident, you must consult a doctor, as the drug prescription and medical reports will help in strengthening the case and to be compensated as you desire.

Step 9

If the doctor prescribed you any treatment such as physiotherapy, follow the proscription as such injuries might look harmless, but they can cause discomfort after several days or weeks.

Step 10

If you don’t want to seek legal help immediately (that you should), then it is a must to inform your insurance company about the accident. All you need to do is to inform them about your injuries, do not give a final statement as they might use your statements against you later. Only inform them to set up a claim.

Step 11

Avoid uploading accident photographs, names of the witnesses, injuries, car number, model, or putting any detail on social media. Defense lawyers mostly comb out social media and other profiles to gather information and to use the details there against the accuser.

What to do after a car accident case goes to a trial?

Most of the accident insurance claims (around 95% of them) are settled before they go for a trial. What exactly means that things will be settled between your insurance company and you outside the court. However, resolving claims and dealing with the insurance companies might not be satisfying all the time, but settling claims rather than going for a trial is a way better solution and an ideal situation for both parties as it saves a lot of energy and time.

In case, the settlement could not have been made and your car accident case goes for a trial then there will be a:

Jury Selection

Jury selection is an important process in case proceedings. It begins with both the parties sitting in a courtroom to select the jury that will hear and conclude the case. Jury selection should be done carefully keeping several important things in mind following laws and procedures. Your goal is to select the jury that would favorably look at the situation from your side.

Trial Date

You have selected the jury and the trial date has been set. Now, you have to work with your lawyer to make sure that you are on the right place. Providing the exact and complete information will help you get the most out of your case.

Opening statement and case representation

The opening statement has to be made by the person who has filed the claim, as the person will have the opportunity to make the first statement. The lawyer will give a brief outline to the jury about your case expectations. The defense lawyer will also make the opening statement.

Then your lawyer will provide evidence and witnesses against the defender’s arguments. The defense lawyer has the authority to cross-examine the witnesses and to look for the evidences your lawyer has provided.

Closing Arguments

After the cross-questioning and evidence examining, both the lawyers will have the last chance to make further arguments. Your lawyer should persuade the jury why the case must end in your favor.

Verdict

After hearing the witnesses, lawyers, and analyzing the evidence, the judge will make a verdict in your case.

If the case ends up in your favor, then you may be able to have your claimed amount against your damages and injuries.