Personal Injury
What Should You Do When You Have A Car Accident?
You have just been struck by another vehicle. Perhaps an airbag or two has gone off in your car filling the car with smoke and debris. You are startled, dazed and confused, maybe in shock. In the confusion after an accident it is difficult if not impossible to determine if you are hurt or how badly you may have been injured. Sometimes injuries do not show up from the accident for days or even months. What do you do?
First call 911. The 911 operator will dispatch emergency medical assistance as necessary and the police. You need to be sure all persons injured in the collision receive the emergency medical attention that may save someone’s life. You also need the police to take control of the scene of the accident, maybe call the fire department if hazardous chemicals or fuel has been spilled, collect witness information, and recreate the series of events leading to the accident in their police report.
If you believe that you are not injured or not injured enough to require emergency medical treatment, still call the police department to investigate the accident and prepare a report.
If you were injured in the accident then you have complicated issues that may arise. Who is going to pay for your medical care? Should you use your personal health insurance? Does your automobile insurance coverage your injuries? What happens if you are unable to work? When these and similar questions arise in a personal injury case, the only way to make an informed decision is to discuss the facts of your crash and your personal circumstances with a qualified attorney. Not all attorneys will be versed in the complexities of the issues you will be facing so make sure that the attorney you consult has personal injury experience. At Hallowes Law Group LLC we can give you the critical guidance you need to make intelligent and informed decisions that may affect you for the rest of your life. We take this responsibility very seriously—just as you should.
While you may want to “wait and see if you get better”, it is a critical mistake to delay in speaking with an attorney regarding your case. The sooner we begin representing a client then the sooner we can begin collecting critical evidence that may be lost or spoiled by the passage of time. Detailed photos of the vehicles in the collision are critically important just as photos of the scene of the accident may be. High resolution photos of your injuries after the accident and as you recover are just as critical as photos of vehicles. We will assist you and guide you through the extensive documentation required to maximize the value of your case. We will guide you as to the value of your case and the cost of trial. All of this information will help you make the best decision.
You should keep these points in mind following your accident:
Always report the accident to your insurance company, even if you are not at fault
Do not give a statement to the insurance company of the “at-fault” party until you have spoken to an attorney—everything you say can and will be used against you!
It won’t take long for insurance companies to begin calling you, we will handle all the phone calls so you can focus on recovery (it won’t take long for the ambulance chasers to get hold of you also—you may want to avoid personal injury “mills” that solicit accident victims for lawyers, chiropractors, and medical groups)
Don’t let an insurance adjuster tell you it is not necessary to have an attorney represent you; that advice should come from a qualified lawyer, not from an insurance adjuster whose job is to settle your claim as cheaply as possible.
As we prosecute your case we will secure copies of medical records, doctor opinions, and similar evidence that can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars. We advance and cover the costs and expenses of putting your case together so you don’t have additional out of pocket expenses
There is no attorney fee if you do not receive a settlement
No dollar amount will satisfactorily compensate you for your pain, suffering, and permanent injuries resulting from a vehicle collision. A check is the only compensation the legal system can provide. Whether the check you receive will adequately pay for your injuries and future care depends on you and the attorneys representing you. Rest assured that the staff at Hallowes Law Group LLC will do all they can—their best—to see that you receive personal attention from us, prompt answers to your questions, and the best possible result that hard work can create. You have a life to live that is already full of demands and responsibilities. The last thing you need is the burden of attempting to navigate your way through the process of dealing with the legal system, insurance companies, and the health care industry. Rather, your focus should be on recovering and moving on with your life. Trust your personal injury case to the attorneys and staff at Hallowes Law Group LLC and let us assist you on your path to recovery.