subject: Lawyers for Car Accidents [print this page] Lawyers for Car Accidents Lawyers for Car Accidents
Even if you're a careful driver, there comes a time in most of our lives in which we're involved in a car accident. From very minor nicks in the parking lot to awful ones where someone is hurt, there are lawyers for car accidents and they are there to help us. God forbid you should need one, but in case you do, here are a few things to take care of yourself before you contact your representation:
First off, do not say anything at the scene until you call a lawyer. Even if it's your fault, be careful how you word any apologies, as these can be implications of guilt to the other party. Tell them how sorry you are that "it happened" or a version of that. This doesn't mean that you can't have emotions or have to lose your sympathy in the matter, just that the other party is in the same boat of standing to lose money, have insurance rates go up, etc. You want everything to be handled legally through the appropriate channels.
Another thing to remember is to get all information you can concerning the accident and the other party or parties involved. Exchange personal information, insurance cards, contact info., etc. This is especially important if you are not at fault. If you can help it, try not to settle for the other party simply verbally giving you the information. Even if there is a valid license plate, the car could be stolen. And if all the information he gives you is verbal, there's a chance he could be driving a stolen car and falsify the information he is giving you. Make him show you his papers, if possible.
The last thing that should be mentioned here is getting witnesses. This is also an important thing to remember if you feel you did nothing to cause the accident. Unfortunately, many people are unwilling to be a witness or to testify in today's world due to time constraints, fear, or loss of work due to giving their testimonies. You may have to approach a potential witness on your own rather than wait for him or her to come to you to offer their help. This can be tricky, but if you make it a point to engage in a conversation with them, it can mean the difference between judgment for you and judgment against you.
These are all precursors to contacting a lawyer to represent you. The more information and witnesses you can bring to your lawyer, the more he or she has to work with and the better your chances of victory are.
