Answers To Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accidents
With decades of legal experience, our attorneys have heard and answered a lot of questions over the years. Below, we’ve provided answers to some of the most common questions we hear from clients. If you cannot find an answer here, contact our office in Jackson to speak with one of our personal injury lawyers.
What Do I Do If I’m Involved In A Car Accident?
After an automobile 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?
Unfortunately, the way things should work is not always how they do work. It’s quite likely that the insurance company will dispute liability, which means they won’t pay your bills until a judgment or settlement has been reached. While the legal action is pending, you will probably need to have your health insurance provider cover the medical bills, knowing that they can seek reimbursement from the at-fault party’s auto insurer later.
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