Frequently Asked Questions If You're in a Car Accident

Woman on cell phone sitting next to a wrecked car. Visual concept for legal blog titled: Frequently Asked Questions If You're in a Car Accident

When a car accident victim suffers serious injuries, they may find themselves in pain, unable to work, and unsure of what to do next. Unfortunately, most car accident victims don’t know how to negotiate with insurance companies and accept the first lowball settlement offer the insurance company makes. They don’t receive the compensation they deserve and find themselves in debt due to medical expenses, lost wages, and other expenses associated with the accident.

Car accident victims can reduce the risk of accepting a lowball settlement offer by working with an experienced car accident lawyer. During your free consultation, the attorneys at the Robenalt Law Firm, Inc. will answer your car crash questions. When you hire us, we will conduct an accident investigation and work to achieve a successful resolution to your car accident injury claim.

Answers to Frequently Asked Car Crash Questions

A car accident can be an overwhelming event. In the hours and days after a car crash, it can be challenging to know what to do and where to turn. Here, we provide answers to the most common car accident questions.

What Should You Do After a Car Accident?

After a crash, a car accident victim should take steps to protect themselves, their rights, and their financial future.

  1. Check yourself and your passengers for injuries.
  2. If you are able, ask the people in the other vehicle if they were injured.
  3. If there are any severe injuries, call 9-1-1. Tell them someone was hurt in a car accident and where it occurred.
  4. If no one was seriously injured, call the police and make a report.
  5. Exchange names, contact information, and insurance information with the other driver(s) and their passengers. You can use your cell phone to take photographs of the other driver’s license and insurance card. Ask for their phone number.
  6. Ask car accident witnesses for their names and contact information. A car accident witness is not required to provide their name, address, or phone number, but many people will be willing to help by stating what they saw.
  7. Take pictures of the scene of the crash and any damage to the vehicles. If possible, include weather conditions, road conditions, and traffic signs.
  8. Even if you think your injuries were minor, you should seek medical treatment. It may take a few days for symptoms to appear.
  9. Photograph your injuries, including cuts, bruises, and lacerations, as well as photographs of any broken bones, etc.
  10. Report the accident to your insurance company. Your insurance company may ask for a recorded statement, but you do not need to provide one immediately. Tell them you plan to hire a lawyer and will provide a recorded statement after you have discussed the matter with your attorney.
  11. Hire an attorney.

What Questions Should You Ask a Car Accident Witness?

A car accident witness is not required to answer your questions, but many people want to help. Here are some questions you or your lawyer can ask a car accident witness.

  • When did you first become aware of the car accident?
  • Did you have a clear view?
  • How did the car accident happen?
  • Who do you think caused the car accident?
  • Did you hear the drivers say anything to each other?
  • Did anyone take pictures of the accident?
  • Do you know anyone who was involved in this accident?
  • Have you spoken with any attorneys or insurance companies about the accident?
  • Was anyone else involved in the accident?

Should You File an Insurance Claim?

Most insurance companies have time limits on when a claim can be filed. You should promptly report the accident to your insurance company. But remember, the insurance adjuster might be recording your statements, and anything you say could be used in your claim and any legal proceedings.

If you were hurt in a car accident, we recommend contacting a personal injury lawyer first. We can contact the insurance company for you, and when you do talk to the insurance adjuster, we will help ensure you don’t accidentally say something that could hurt your case.

Should I See a Doctor?

You should see a doctor after a car accident, even if you think your injuries are minor. Many symptoms of car accident injuries take hours or even a few days to appear.

Who Pays My Medical Bills?

After a car accident, medical bills are commonly paid in four ways.

  1. Your medical bills are paid by your health insurance provider, which is reimbursed from any settlement proceeds.
  2. Your medical bills through the “MedPay” coverage in your auto insurance policy
  3. Your medical providers agree to provide services now and receive compensation once your case settles.
  4. Your medical bills go unpaid, and they are sent to collections.

How Much Money Can I Recover?

When a car accident causes injuries, you can obtain compensation for:

  • The cost of medical treatment
  • Pain and suffering
  • Lost wages
  • Mental anguish
  • Disfigurement
  • Loss of consortium

Every case is unique, and a car accident injury lawyer can investigate your case, obtain evidence to prove your damages, and work to negotiate a settlement in your case. If a reasonable settlement is not forthcoming, The Robenalt Law Firm can file a lawsuit to protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.

What Is Pain and Suffering?

Pain and suffering refers to the non-economic losses you experience when a car accident causes injuries. The specific amount of money awarded for pain and suffering can vary considerably depending on many factors. Our lawyers can evaluate your situation and help you obtain the compensation you deserve.

How Can a Car Accident Lawyer Help?

When a car accident causes injuries, you face the stress that comes with mounting medical bills, pain and suffering, and loss of income. The Robenalt Law Firm can help relieve some of your burden by dealing with the insurance company and getting you and your family the compensation you deserve while you focus on your health, recovery, and healing from your injuries. Our lawyers can provide legal advice, negotiate with the insurance company for a full and fair settlement, and, when necessary, file a lawsuit to protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.

How Does My Lawyer Get Paid?

The Robenalt Law Firm handles most personal injury claims on a contingency fee. We do not get paid until we recover money for you. Our fees are a percentage of the total recovery and are deducted before we distribute settlement funds to you.

The Robenalt Law Firm Fights for You

When a car accident causes injuries, you and your family may be entitled to compensation. Our lawyers have over 45 years of combined experience representing injured victims and their families. We can evaluate your claim and fight for the compensation you deserve. To put our expertise to work for you, contact us today by calling (216) 223-7535, emailing trobenalt@robenaltlaw.com, or completing our online contact form.