Your first instinct following a car accident may be to make sure everyone is okay, assess the damage, and exchange insurance information with the other drivers involved. However, it’s also crucial that you call your lawyer from the scene of the accident before making any statements or signing any documents. Here are seven important reasons to call your lawyer from the scene of a car accident:
1. Preserve Evidence
The moments right after a car accident are vital for gathering evidence and securing the details while they are still fresh. A car accident lawyer Reno NV can advise you on how to best preserve important evidence from the scene that could help support your claim later. This includes taking photos of damage to the vehicles, skid marks on the road, the position of the cars, weather conditions, road hazards, traffic signs or signals, and more. Your lawyer can also send an investigator to the scene to thoroughly document critical evidence if needed. The investigator will take measurements, interview witnesses, look for any sight obstructions, note the lighting and visibility at the time of the crash, examine the condition of the road, and more. All of this can help establish how the crash happened and who is liable. Having a detailed record of the scene also ensures no evidence is lost or altered over time.
2. Get Witness Statements
Your lawyer can help track down witness contact information and get official statements about how the accident occurred. Over time, witnesses may forget important details or become unavailable. An attorney can act quickly to interview witnesses and get their accounts documented while the accident is still fresh in their minds. Witness statements carry significant weight in proving fault and liability. The statements should include specifics on what the witness observed firsthand, such as the speed of the vehicles, the traffic signals or signs at the intersection, the weather conditions, the actions of the drivers, and more. Strong witness statements from objective third parties can profoundly impact the outcome of your case down the road.
3. Avoid Incriminating Yourself
Everything you say and do immediately after an accident could affect your liability and settlement amount later on. It’s easy to unintentionally make statements admitting fault or accepting blame in the stress of the moment. For example, apologizing or saying “I didn’t see you coming” could be used against you later even if the other driver was primarily at fault. A lawyer can advise you to avoid discussing the accident details or accepting responsibility until the facts are investigated. You have the right to remain silent until your attorney is present. This helps protect your legal rights down the road.
4. Assess Liability
The actions leading up to the accident will determine who is at fault and owes damages. While the cause may seem straightforward initially, a thorough legal investigation may reveal other factors you’re unaware of that shift liability away from you. For example, vehicle defects like faulty brakes or blown tires could have caused a driver to lose control. Dangerous road conditions such as potholes, debris, or lack of necessary signage may also bear some responsibility. Your lawyer can conduct an in-depth liability assessment from the start to establish where fault lies and ensure you are not wrongly blamed.
5. Maximize Compensation
Some accident injuries and vehicle damage may not seem serious at first but worsen over time. Certain issues like head trauma, soft tissue injuries, PTSD, or chronic pain may not fully manifest right away. A Reno personal injury attorney can help you accurately evaluate and document all of your short and long-term damages when filing your claim. Keeping precise records ensures you recover maximum compensation down the road for all losses related to:
- Medical bills both now and into the future such as hospitalization, surgery, physical therapy, rehabilitation, and prescriptions
- Lost income from missed work due to injury recovery time
- Loss of future earnings capacity if disabilities prevent you from returning to your occupation
- Property damage repair or replacement costs for your vehicle
- Rental car fees while your vehicle is inoperable
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Diminished quality of life
Thoroughly accounting for the full extent of your losses equates to higher settlement payouts later.
6. Deal with Insurance Companies
Insurance providers want to minimize payouts on claims. They may try to pressure unrepresented victims into lowball settlements that fail to cover losses. Having your attorney communicate with insurers prevents this and compels fair settlements. Your lawyer also understands liability laws and can negotiate expertly with insurance adjusters who work to protect company profits at your expense. It’s critical to have legal assistance when dealing with insurers.
7. Initiate Prompt Legal Help
The days and weeks after an accident are crucial for building your case. An attorney can immediately launch the investigative process, preserve evidence, identify all parties involved, review insurance policies, file necessary documents, and more. This fast action helps ensure your rights are protected and maximum compensation is recovered. The sooner you call your lawyer from the scene, the quicker they can start building a robust claim on your behalf. An experienced personal injury firm also understands the statute of limitations for insurance claims and can take prompt action before deadlines expire.
Seeking Experienced Legal Help After a Car Accident
Being involved in any vehicle collision can derail lives with devastating injuries or financial burdens. Having a knowledgeable attorney as an advocate can make all the difference in getting fair compensation and a just outcome after an accident. At Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys, our dedicated team has represented injury victims in the Reno area for 20 years. We offer sophisticated legal skills while providing compassionate counsel during difficult times. Contact us at 800-4THE-WIN (800-484-3946) for dedicated support and strategic guidance after any auto accident. We have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for our clients, and, with seasoned attorneys on your side, you can have confidence that justice will be served.
