Car Accident Frequently Asked Questions
With decades of legal experience, our attorneys have heard and answered a lot of questions over the years. Below are some of the most common questions we hear from clients. If you cannot find an answer here, send us an email or call us to speak with experienced personal injury attorneys.
What Do I Do If I’m Involved In A Car Accident?
After a car accident, it’s important to remain at the scene. Never leave without speaking to the others involved, as doing so means you could face criminal charges. If you or the other people involved are injured in any way, always seek medical attention immediately. Even if injuries appear minor, they may be more extensive than they seem and can worsen with a lack of medical attention. After calling an ambulance, your next step is to make sure your vehicle is not creating a hazard for others on the road. Move to the shoulder or side of the road if it is safe to do so. You will also want to call the police and file an accident report. Never admit liability. Gather pertinent information from the other driver(s) involved, including names, phone numbers, addresses and any witness accounts. It’s also a good idea to document any damage, injuries, skid marks or road obstructions by taking photos.
When Should I Hire A Lawyer?
It’s wise to seek the help of an experienced Mississippi car accident attorney soon after the incident. This is especially true in the event that you are facing critical injuries, or if a death resulted from the accident. The sooner you hire a lawyer, the quicker they’ll be able to begin gathering evidence, including witness testimony and relevant medical paperwork. An attorney can also help you with obtaining proper medical treatment, dealing with unpaid medical bills and assessing whether your insurance company offered a fair settlement. If you believe your insurer is acting in bad faith or has denied your claim unjustly, it’s more important than ever to seek the assistance of a practiced attorney.
Should I Notify My Insurance Company Of The Accident?
Yes – it’s important to cooperate with your insurance company after an accident. Most insurers require their policyholders to report accidents soon after they occur. Avoid making any statements about who caused the accident. Instead, stick to just the basic facts and consult an experienced attorney before making any further statements.
There is no need to speak with the other driver’s insurance company. In fact, this can even jeopardize your case, as they may twist your words against you. Additionally, refrain from giving any recorded statement to the other person’s insurance company, as this can also jeopardize your case if the insurer is able to use your statement to question liability.
What If The Other Driver And/Or Their Insurance Company Denies Liability?
This is a fairly common occurrence, as disputing liability is the simplest way for an insurance company to avoid paying out a claim. Insurance companies will often deny liability even when their driver was responsible for the accident. When this occurs, it becomes your job to prove liability. There are a number of ways to do this, and a skilled Mississippi car accident attorney can help you understand your options and devise a plan of legal action.
Who Pays For My Medical Bills After A Car Accident?
In an ideal world, the insurance company for the liable party would pay any medical expenses you incurred as a result of your injuries. However, in the real world, insurance companies often dispute liability, making it more difficult to receive the financial reparation you are owed. In these instances, your best course of action is usually to have your health insurance pay your medical bills upfront and seek reimbursement from the liable auto insurance company as part of your settlement. If the auto insurance company argues your injuries, disputes liability or causes another issue that makes it difficult to receive fair compensation for your unexpected medical bills, an experienced Mississippi personal injury attorney can help you take legal action.
Kilpatrick & Philley can assist you with any issue that makes your auto accident complicated, including insurance companies acting in bad faith, a wrongful death, a driver that fled the scene or didn’t have insurance, or permanent disabilities resulting from the accident.
Don’t see your question here? Contact the firm today at 601-707-4669 to speak to an attorney about your concerns.