A car accident is a blur of twisted metal, flashing lights, and adrenaline. In those first few moments, it’s hard to think straight. Your only focus is on whether everyone is okay. But the actions you take in the minutes, hours, and days that follow can dramatically shape your physical and financial recovery. Insurance companies have a playbook designed to minimize their payout, and simple mistakes can cost you dearly. This guide is your roadmap through the confusion. We’ll provide clear, actionable steps to protect yourself at the scene, document your damages, and handle those tricky calls from adjusters. Think of this as essential legal advice for car accident victims, designed to empower you and build a strong foundation for the compensation you deserve.

Key Takeaways

Protect Your Health and Your Claim from the Start: Immediately after an accident, prioritize safety by calling 911. Then, protect your legal rights by thoroughly documenting the scene with photos and exchanging information with the other driver, but never admitting fault.
Create a Clear Record of Your Injuries and Losses: Your recovery story needs evidence. Seek immediate medical attention to link your injuries to the crash, and keep a detailed journal of your pain, medical bills, and lost wages to prove the full extent of your damages.
Understand the Insurance Company’s Goal and Know When to Get Help: Insurance adjusters aim to minimize payouts. Protect your claim by politely declining recorded statements and lowball settlement offers. If your injuries are serious or the insurer is being unfair, consulting an attorney can level the playing field.

First Steps to Take After a Car Accident

A car accident is jarring. In the moments that follow, it’s completely normal to feel shaken, confused, and unsure of what to do. Your adrenaline is pumping, and your first thought is rightly on making sure everyone is okay. But the actions you take right at the scene can have a significant impact on your health and your ability to get fair compensation later on. It’s tough to think clearly under that kind of stress, but focusing on a few key steps can protect you and your legal rights. Think of this as your immediate action plan. By staying as calm as possible and methodically working through these steps, you can secure the scene, gather crucial information, and avoid common mistakes that insurance companies often use to deny or reduce a claim. This isn’t about being confrontational; it’s about being prepared and protecting your future. From ensuring everyone’s safety to knowing what to say (and what not to say), each step builds a foundation for a strong case, should you need to pursue one. These initial actions create the official record of what happened and can be the most important evidence you have.

Stay Safe and Call for Help

Your safety, and the safety of others, is the absolute first priority. If you can, move your vehicle out of the flow of traffic to the shoulder of the road to prevent another collision. Turn on your hazard lights. Before you do anything else, check on yourself and your passengers for injuries. Even if you feel fine, the shock can mask pain. Next, call 911 immediately. This is critical for two reasons: it gets medical help on the way for anyone who needs it, and it dispatches the police to the scene. A police report is an official, objective document that provides a record of the accident, which is incredibly important for any future automobile accident claims.

Document Everything at the Scene

If you are physically able, start documenting the scene while you wait for the police to arrive. Your smartphone is your best tool here. Take photos and videos of everything from multiple angles. Capture the damage to all vehicles involved, their license plates, and their positions on the road. Don’t forget to photograph the wider scene, including any skid marks, debris, traffic signals, and road conditions. These details can be vital for reconstructing what happened. Also, make a note of the police report number and the responding officer’s name and badge number. This information will help you obtain a copy of the official report later, which is a cornerstone of any personal injury case.

Exchange Key Information

You’ll need to exchange information with the other driver or drivers involved. It’s easy to forget what to ask for when you’re under stress, so try to get a clear photo of their documents if possible. Be polite but firm in gathering the essentials. You should collect their full name, address, and phone number, as well as their driver’s license number. You also need their insurance company name and policy number. Jot down the make, model, color, and license plate number of their vehicle. If there are any witnesses, ask for their names and contact information. An independent witness can provide an unbiased account of the accident, which can be incredibly valuable if the other driver’s story changes later.

Watch What You Say

In the aftermath of a crash, it’s natural to want to be polite or even apologize. However, you must be very careful with your words. Never admit fault for the accident, even if you think you might have been partially to blame. Saying something as simple as “I’m so sorry” can be interpreted as an admission of guilt by insurance companies and used against you. Stick to the facts when speaking with the other driver and the police. You can express concern for their well-being without taking responsibility for the collision. Let the police conduct their investigation and determine fault. Once you’ve left the scene, it’s wise to contact an attorney before giving any statements to an insurance adjuster.

Know Your Rights After a Car Accident

After a car accident, you might feel overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. Insurance companies can add to the confusion, often making you feel like they hold all the power. But you have specific rights designed to protect you during this process. Understanding these rights is the first step toward ensuring you are treated fairly and receive the support you need to recover. It’s about leveling the playing field so you can focus on what matters most: your health and well-being.

Your Right to Fair Compensation

If someone else’s negligence caused your accident, you have the legal right to seek compensation for your losses. This isn’t just about covering the damage to your car; it’s about making you whole again. Fair compensation can include payment for medical bills, lost income from time off work, and the physical and emotional pain you’ve endured. Pursuing a personal injury claim is your way of holding the responsible party accountable and securing the financial resources necessary for your recovery. Don’t let an insurance company convince you that you’re only entitled to the bare minimum.

You Choose Your Doctor and Repair Shop

An insurance adjuster might suggest you visit a specific doctor or take your car to one of their “preferred” repair shops. It’s important to know that you are not obligated to follow their recommendations. You have the right to choose your own medical providers and the auto body shop you trust to fix your vehicle. Your priority should be getting quality care and repairs from people you feel comfortable with. The insurance company is still required to pay for all reasonable costs associated with your treatment and repairs, regardless of who you choose to provide those services.

Standing Up to Insurance Companies

While an insurance adjuster may sound friendly and helpful on the phone, their primary goal is to protect their company’s bottom line. This often means finding ways to pay you as little as possible. Be mindful that anything you say can be used against you to minimize or deny your claim. Simple apologies or casual remarks about the accident can be twisted to imply fault. You are not required to provide a recorded statement, and it’s often wise to decline until you’ve spoken with an attorney. Protecting your claim starts with carefully managing your communication with the insurer.

Missouri’s Deadlines for Filing a Claim

Every state has a time limit for filing a lawsuit after an injury, known as the statute of limitations. In Missouri, you generally have five years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. While that might seem like a long time, building a strong case requires gathering evidence, collecting medical records, and negotiating with insurers, all of which takes time. If you miss this deadline, you lose your right to seek compensation in court forever. It’s critical to act quickly to protect your legal options and start the process on the right foot.

What to Do When the Insurance Company Calls

Sooner or later, you’ll get a call from an insurance adjuster. It might be from the other driver’s insurance company or even your own. While it may seem like a routine step, this conversation is a critical moment for your claim. The adjuster’s job is to protect the insurance company’s bottom line, which often means paying you as little as possible. They are trained professionals who handle these calls every day, and they know what to say to minimize the value of your claim. Knowing how to handle this call is key to protecting your rights and ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve. Here’s what you need to do.

Handle the First Call with Care

When the phone rings, take a deep breath and remember to stay calm and polite. Your goal for this first call is simple: provide basic facts, not a detailed story. Stick to the essentials, like your name, contact information, and the date and location of the accident. Keep the conversation brief. It’s also a great idea to have a notebook handy to jot down the adjuster’s name, phone number, and any key details they share. This initial call sets the tone for all future interactions, so being prepared and professional can make a big difference. If you feel overwhelmed or unsure what to say, it’s perfectly fine to tell them you need to speak with your attorney first and will call them back.

Don’t Give a Recorded Statement

The insurance adjuster will almost certainly ask you to provide a recorded statement about the accident. You should always politely decline. You are not legally required to give a recorded statement to the other party’s insurance company. Adjusters are trained to ask leading questions that can be confusing or cause you to say something that could be misinterpreted later. These recordings can be used to find inconsistencies in your story or to downplay your injuries, ultimately hurting your claim. Protecting your interests is the top priority. An experienced attorney can handle all communications with the insurance company for you, ensuring your rights are protected from the start.

Never Accept the First Settlement Offer

It can be tempting to accept the first settlement offer you receive, especially when medical bills are piling up. However, this initial offer is rarely the best one. Insurance companies often start with a lowball amount, hoping you’ll take it and close the case quickly. This offer may not cover the full extent of your damages, including future medical treatments, lost wages, or long-term pain and suffering. Before you even consider accepting, take time to understand the true cost of your accident. It’s always wise to have a legal professional review any offer to make sure it’s fair. Remember, once you accept a settlement, you can’t ask for more money later, even if your injuries turn out to be more serious than you first thought.

Spot Common Insurance Pressure Tactics

Insurance adjusters can be friendly and seem genuinely concerned, but it’s important to remember their primary loyalty is to their employer. Their goal is to resolve your claim for the lowest possible amount. Be aware of common tactics, such as rushing you into a settlement by creating a false sense of urgency or downplaying the severity of your injuries. They might also suggest that hiring an attorney will just slow things down or cost you more money. Recognizing these pressure tactics can help you stay focused on what’s best for you. Having a skilled personal injury attorney on your side levels the playing field and shows the insurance company you are serious about receiving fair compensation.

Avoid These Common Car Accident Claim Mistakes

After a car accident, you’re dealing with a lot—shock, potential injuries, and the stress of a damaged vehicle. It’s a confusing time, and it’s easy to make simple mistakes that can seriously impact your ability to get fair compensation. Insurance companies are businesses, and their goal is often to resolve claims for as little money as possible. A few missteps on your part can give them the opening they need to question the severity of your injuries or even deny your claim altogether.

Understanding these common pitfalls is the first step toward protecting your rights. From saying the wrong thing at the scene to posting on social media too soon, your actions in the hours and days following a crash matter more than you might think. It’s not about being deceptive; it’s about being careful and ensuring the facts of your case are presented clearly and accurately. We’ll walk through some of the most frequent errors people make so you can be prepared. Knowing what not to do is just as important as knowing what to do, and it can make all the difference in the outcome of your personal injury claim. Being mindful of these issues from the start helps you build a stronger foundation for your case.

Admitting Fault or Oversharing Details

In the immediate aftermath of an accident, it’s a natural human response to say, “I’m so sorry,” even if the crash wasn’t your fault. But you should never admit fault or apologize at the scene. An apology can be legally interpreted as an admission of guilt, which an insurance adjuster will use to argue that you were responsible for the accident. This can significantly reduce or even eliminate the compensation you receive. When speaking with the other driver, the police, or an insurance company, stick to the facts of what happened. Don’t speculate on who was to blame or offer more details than necessary. It’s best to provide your name, contact information, and insurance details, and let the evidence speak for itself. Before giving a detailed statement, it’s wise to contact an attorney to understand your rights.

Delaying Medical Treatment

Even if you feel fine right after a car accident, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. The adrenaline from the crash can mask pain and hide serious injuries like whiplash or internal bleeding, which may not show symptoms for hours or even days. Getting a prompt medical evaluation is crucial for your health and for your legal claim. Delaying medical care gives the insurance company an opportunity to argue that your injuries weren’t caused by the accident. They might claim that if you were truly hurt, you would have sought treatment immediately. A medical record created right after the crash provides a clear link between the incident and your injuries. This documentation is one of the most important pieces of evidence you can have when seeking compensation for your medical bills.

Signing Documents You Don’t Understand

Shortly after the accident, you will likely be contacted by the other driver’s insurance company. They may ask you to sign documents, such as a medical release form or an early settlement offer. Be extremely cautious. Never sign anything without fully understanding what it means for your claim. Signing a broad medical release can give the insurer access to your entire medical history, which they can use to find pre-existing conditions and blame your injuries on them. Similarly, accepting a quick settlement offer might seem tempting, but it’s usually far less than what you deserve. Once you sign, you forfeit your right to seek any further compensation, even if your injuries turn out to be more severe than you initially thought. Always have an experienced attorney review any paperwork before you sign.

Posting About the Accident on Social Media

In our connected world, it’s second nature to share life updates online, but after a car accident, it’s best to stay off social media entirely. Insurance adjusters regularly search claimants’ social media profiles for anything they can use to dispute a claim. Even an innocent post can be taken out of context. A photo of you smiling at a family gathering could be used to argue that your injuries aren’t as painful or limiting as you claim. Avoid posting any details about the accident, your injuries, or your recovery process. It’s also a good idea to ask friends and family not to post photos of you or tag you in posts while your claim is ongoing. The safest approach is to set all your social media profiles to private and refrain from posting until your case is fully resolved.

How to Document Your Injuries and Damages

After a car accident, your focus is rightly on healing. But taking the time to carefully document your injuries and related damages is one of the most powerful steps you can take to protect your future. Think of it as building a clear, detailed story of how the accident has affected your life. This evidence is the foundation of a successful personal injury claim and ensures that you can account for every cost, from medical bills to the personal impact on your daily routine.

Strong documentation removes guesswork and provides concrete proof to insurance companies and legal teams. It substantiates your claim for fair compensation and demonstrates the full extent of your physical, emotional, and financial losses. Keeping organized records from day one will make the entire process smoother and help your attorney build the strongest possible case on your behalf.

Keep All Medical Records

Your medical records are the cornerstone of your injury claim. It’s essential to keep a detailed file of every document related to your treatment. This includes hospital visit summaries, doctor’s notes, physical therapy reports, prescription receipts, and bills for any medical equipment you need. These records create an official timeline of your injuries and the care you’ve received, directly linking them to the accident. This paper trail is critical for proving the cost of your medical expenses and showing the severity of your injuries. Make a habit of asking for copies of all reports and keeping everything together in one place.

Start an Injury Journal

While medical records show the clinical side of your recovery, an injury journal tells the personal story. This is your space to document your day-to-day experience. Write down your pain levels, any physical limitations you’re facing, and the emotional impact of the accident. Did you miss a family event because you were in too much pain? Are you struggling with anxiety when you get in a car? These details illustrate how the accident has affected your quality of life. A consistent journal provides invaluable insight that can be used to demonstrate the extent of your pain and suffering, which is a key part of your personal injury claim.

Photograph Your Injuries and Vehicle Damage

A picture truly is worth a thousand words. Visual evidence is incredibly compelling, so take clear photographs of your injuries right after the accident and continue to document them as they heal. This creates a visual timeline of your recovery process, showing everything from initial bruises and cuts to any scarring that may remain. You should also take extensive photos of the damage to your vehicle from multiple angles. These images serve as undeniable proof of the accident’s severity and can help establish the connection between the impact and the injuries you sustained.

Save Evidence and Witness Details

The evidence you gather at the scene can be vital. If you spoke to any witnesses, make sure you have their names and contact information. A statement from an impartial third party can significantly strengthen your account of what happened. Also, keep any other related documentation, like the police report, receipts for towing services, or any correspondence you receive from the insurance companies. Every piece of information helps build a comprehensive picture of the accident and its aftermath. If you feel overwhelmed, an experienced attorney can help you gather and organize this crucial evidence.

What Kind of Compensation Can You Receive?

After a car accident, the path to recovery can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re dealing with medical bills and time away from work. The legal term for the money you can recover is “damages,” and it’s designed to cover the losses you’ve suffered because of someone else’s negligence. The goal is to help you get back to the financial position you were in before the accident occurred.

Understanding what you’re entitled to is a critical step in protecting your rights. Compensation isn’t just about the immediate hospital bills; it can cover a wide range of impacts, from lost wages to the physical pain and emotional stress you’ve endured. These different types of compensation fall into specific categories, and knowing them can help you and your attorney build a strong case. Our firm handles these types of personal injury cases and can help you identify all the damages you are owed.

Economic Damages: Medical Bills and Lost Wages

Economic damages are the most straightforward type of compensation because they cover your direct financial losses. Think of these as the tangible costs that have a clear paper trail. This includes every medical expense related to the accident, from the ambulance ride and emergency room visit to follow-up appointments, physical therapy, and prescription medications. It’s also crucial to account for any lost wages if your injuries kept you from working. If your ability to earn a living in the future is affected, that loss of earning capacity can be included, too. This is why keeping every single bill, receipt, and pay stub is so important—they are the evidence needed to prove these costs.

Non-Economic Damages: Pain and Suffering

Not all injuries are visible or easy to calculate. Non-economic damages are meant to compensate you for the intangible, personal hardships you experience after an accident. This includes the physical pain, emotional distress, anxiety, and the overall loss of enjoyment of life. For example, you may no longer be able to participate in hobbies or activities you once loved. While you can’t put a price tag on these experiences, they are a very real part of your recovery. Insurance companies often try to minimize these damages, which is why having a dedicated advocate fighting for what you’ve been through is essential to receiving a fair settlement.

Future Costs and Long-Term Care

Serious injuries often have long-lasting consequences that go far beyond the initial treatment. If your recovery requires ongoing medical care, your compensation should cover these future costs. This could include things like future surgeries, long-term physical therapy, chronic pain management, or necessary medical equipment. In some cases, victims may need to make modifications to their homes, like installing a ramp for a wheelchair, or require in-home assistance. Accurately projecting these expenses often requires input from medical and financial experts to ensure your settlement is sufficient to cover your needs for years to come, not just for today.

Punitive Damages in Cases of Extreme Negligence

In some rare situations, you may be able to receive punitive damages. Unlike the other types of compensation, which are meant to cover your losses, punitive damages are intended to punish the at-fault party for exceptionally reckless or malicious behavior. This might apply in a case involving a drunk driver who was significantly over the legal limit or a driver who intentionally caused the crash. These damages are not awarded often, as the conduct must be truly outrageous. Missouri law has specific rules governing when punitive damages can be awarded, making it a complex aspect of a personal injury claim that requires skilled legal guidance.

When to Consider Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney

Deciding whether to hire an attorney after a car accident can feel like a big step, especially when you’re already dealing with injuries and vehicle repairs. While not every fender-bender requires legal action, certain situations make having a professional advocate in your corner essential. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, confused by the claims process, or pressured by an insurance company, it’s probably a good time to consider getting legal advice. An experienced attorney can handle the complexities of your case, allowing you to focus on what truly matters: your recovery. Think of it as bringing in an expert to manage the details so you don’t have to. They understand the tactics insurance companies use and know how to build a strong case to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.

Your Injuries Are Serious

If you’ve suffered significant injuries like broken bones, internal damage, or a traumatic brain injury, your case is immediately more complex. Serious injuries often require long-term medical treatment, rehabilitation, and may even affect your ability to work in the future. Calculating the full cost of these damages isn’t as simple as adding up current medical bills. An experienced attorney knows how to account for future medical needs, lost earning capacity, and the physical and emotional pain you’ve endured. They work with medical experts to build a comprehensive claim that reflects the true impact of the accident on your life, ensuring you don’t settle for less than you need for a full recovery. Handling these types of personal injury cases is what we do best.

Fault Is Unclear or Disputed

Things can get complicated quickly when the other driver denies responsibility or tries to shift the blame onto you. In Missouri, if you are found partially at fault, your compensation can be reduced. This is why it’s so important to have someone who can investigate the accident and clearly establish what happened. An attorney can gather crucial evidence, such as police reports, witness statements, and traffic camera footage, to build a solid case on your behalf. They understand Missouri’s comparative fault rules and can effectively argue against any unfair accusations, protecting your right to compensation. Don’t let a dispute over fault prevent you from getting the support you need.

The Settlement Offer Seems Too Low

It’s common for an insurance company to make a quick settlement offer, sometimes just days after the accident. While it might be tempting to accept the money and move on, these initial offers are often far less than what your claim is actually worth. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts, and they’re counting on you not knowing the full value of your damages. Before you accept anything, it’s wise to consult with an attorney. We can help you understand what your case is worth by evaluating all your losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. We’ll handle the negotiations to ensure the final settlement is fair and covers all your needs.

The Insurance Company Is Being Unfair

While insurance adjusters may seem friendly and helpful, their primary loyalty is to their employer, not to you. Their goal is to resolve your claim for the lowest possible amount. If you feel like the insurance company is delaying your claim, ignoring your calls, or pressuring you into giving a recorded statement, it’s a clear sign you need an advocate on your side. An attorney can take over all communication with the insurer, shielding you from unfair tactics and intimidation. We will make sure your claim is taken seriously and that the insurance company honors its obligations. If you’re getting the runaround, it’s time to reach out for a consultation and let a professional handle the fight.

How Insurance Companies Value a Claim

After an accident, it can feel like the insurance company holds all the cards, using a mysterious formula to decide what your claim is worth. While it’s not exactly simple, understanding the basics of their valuation process can help you feel more in control. Insurance companies aren’t just picking a number out of thin air; they are looking at specific, concrete details to calculate a settlement offer. Their primary goal is to protect their bottom line, which means they often look for ways to pay out as little as possible. Knowing what they focus on is the first step in building a strong case for the compensation you deserve.

Factors That Influence Your Settlement

An insurance adjuster’s main job is to assess three key things: liability, damages, and insurance coverage. First, they determine who was at fault for the accident. Then, they calculate the costs associated with your injuries and property damage, which includes everything from medical bills and lost income to the cost of future care. Finally, they review the limits of the applicable insurance policies. Adjusters often gauge the value of similar injuries by looking at past settlements to come up with a starting figure. Because so many variables are at play, it’s a complex process where every detail matters.

The Role of Medical Documentation

Your medical records are the most powerful evidence you have. Insurance companies rely heavily on this documentation to verify the severity of your injuries and justify the costs of your treatment. Think of every doctor’s note, test result, and physical therapy report as a building block for your claim. Clear, consistent, and comprehensive medical records create a direct link between the accident and your injuries, making it much harder for an insurer to downplay your suffering. If your documentation is vague or you have gaps in your treatment, the insurance company may use that as a reason to offer a lower settlement.

Why Insurers Deny or Undervalue Claims

It’s a frustrating but common reality: insurance companies often try to deny or undervalue legitimate claims. One of their most frequent tactics is to make a quick, low settlement offer, hoping you’ll accept it before you know what your claim is truly worth. They might also argue that you were partially at fault for the accident to reduce the payout, a concept known as comparative negligence. Adjusters will scrutinize your statements and records for any inconsistencies they can use against you. If you feel an insurer is using unfair tactics, it may be time to get a professional opinion on your case.

How The Law Office of Chad G. Mann Can Help

Navigating the aftermath of a car accident can feel isolating, but you don’t have to handle it alone. Having a dedicated legal partner on your side can make all the difference in protecting your rights and securing the compensation you need to recover. At The Law Office of Chad G. Mann, we focus on providing clear guidance and strong advocacy for every client, ensuring your story is heard and your case gets the attention it deserves.

Get Personalized Legal Support in Southwest Missouri

When you’re dealing with an injury, the last thing you need is to feel like just another case number. We understand the unique challenges that accident victims face right here in Southwest Missouri. That’s why we offer personalized legal support tailored to your specific situation. We take the time to listen to your story, understand your concerns, and build a strategy that aligns with your goals. Our commitment is to you and your recovery, providing a local advocate who is genuinely invested in achieving justice on your behalf. You can learn more about our approach and dedication to serving our community.

Benefit from Our Personal Injury Experience

Experience matters, especially when it comes to personal injury law. We have a deep understanding of how to build a strong case, starting with gathering and preserving crucial evidence. Details like police reports, witness statements, and medical records are the foundation of a successful claim, and we know how to use them effectively to prove fault. Our extensive experience across various practice areas means we can anticipate the insurance company’s tactics and counter them with a well-prepared case, putting you in the best possible position from the start.

A Client-First Approach to Your Case

We operate on a simple but powerful philosophy: “The truth doesn’t always speak for itself — evidence does.” Our client-first approach is all about transforming your truth into undeniable proof. We meticulously handle every detail of your case, ensuring that your side of the story is presented clearly and persuasively. From investigating the accident to negotiating with insurers, we are your dedicated advocates every step of the way. If you’re ready to work with a team that puts your needs first, we encourage you to contact us for a consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

I feel fine after the crash. Do I really need to see a doctor? Yes, you absolutely should. The adrenaline and shock from an accident can easily mask serious injuries like whiplash or internal issues that may not show symptoms for hours or even days. Getting a medical evaluation right away is not only crucial for your health but also creates an official record that links your injuries directly to the accident. This documentation is essential if you need to file a claim later, as it prevents an insurance company from arguing your injuries happened sometime after the crash.

What if the other driver’s insurance company offers me a settlement right away? It’s wise to be cautious with quick settlement offers. Insurance companies often make low initial offers hoping you’ll accept before you understand the full extent of your injuries and damages. This first amount rarely covers future medical needs, ongoing lost wages, or the full impact of your pain and suffering. Before you sign anything, it’s best to have the offer reviewed by an attorney to ensure it’s fair. Once you accept a settlement, you can’t ask for more money later.

How much does it cost to hire a personal injury attorney for a car accident case? Most personal injury attorneys, including our firm, work on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t pay any attorney’s fees upfront. Instead, the fee is a percentage of the settlement or award we recover for you. Simply put, we only get paid if you get paid. This arrangement allows you to get experienced legal help without worrying about the cost while you’re trying to recover.

What if the other driver was uninsured or fled the scene? This is a stressful situation, but you still have options. Your own auto insurance policy may include Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, which is designed to protect you in these exact circumstances. Filing a claim against your own policy can be complicated, and an attorney can help you understand your coverage and handle the process to ensure you receive the benefits you’re entitled to.

How long will it take to resolve my car accident claim? There isn’t a set timeline, as every case is different. The duration depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, how long your medical treatment lasts, and how willing the insurance company is to negotiate a fair settlement. A straightforward case might resolve in a few months, while a more complex one could take longer, especially if a lawsuit becomes necessary. The priority is always to secure a fair outcome, not a fast one.

Essential Legal Advice for Car Accident Victims