Victims of car accidents may suffer a range of serious injuries, ranging from lacerations and bruises to brain damage and broken bones, some of which may require weeks of medical treatment and thousands of dollars in rehabilitative services. Recovery is important after an accident. You may also wish to consider seeking support from a Marion, AR car accident lawyer at Gatti, Keltner, Bienvenu & Montesi PLC when you are well enough.
Medical bills, vehicle repair or replacement costs, and lost wages may add to the financial burden you have after a car accident. Getting compensation for injuries caused by other drivers is possible with the help of a car accident lawyer in Marion, AR. In many cases, victims of car accidents do not fully recover from serious injuries, which can take years to heal.
Why Car Accidents Occur
The United States is home to hundreds of traffic accidents each day. According to statistics, there are more than ten accidents involving motor vehicles every day, and many of the common causes of accidents can be avoided. Automobile and commercial truck insurance are underinsured or nonexistent for a significant number of drivers.
There are numerous reasons for road accidents. Distracted drivers take their attention away from the road when behind the wheel. Additionally, drivers who spend multiple hours behind the wheel can become fatigued, which can result in preventable errors.
Accidents occur for a number of reasons, including bad visibility, poor road design, or careless driving by other drivers. Accidents can have a variety of causes, but their outcomes are often the same, resulting in car damage, property damage, and injury.
For a free legal consultation with a car accidents lawyer serving Marion, call (901) 526-2126
4 Things to Do if You Have Been in a Car Accident
You can protect yourself and your interests if you’re involved in an automobile accident. In the event of an automobile accident, here are things you should do:
1. Take Pictures
When you see visible damage on a vehicle, take pictures with the camera in your vehicle or on your cell phone if you have one. You also need to take pictures of visible injuries.
The police investigation, however, should not be interfered with in any way. Take pictures as soon as you can after the accident if you are not able to do so at the scene.
2. File a Police Report
Tell the investigating officer(s) exactly what happened, as accurately as you can, when the police arrive. If certain facts are unclear to you, tell the officer.
Do not speculate, guess, or make any false statements. You should say that you are not sure if you are injured if asked if you are injured. In motor vehicle accidents, pain and injury are often evident hours after the collision.
3. Get Medical Help
After an accident, you may feel perfectly fine, but some injuries become apparent after a few days. If you experience pain or other unusual symptoms, consult your doctor. A minor impact can cause serious head or spinal injuries.
It is important to document any physical injury you experience as a result of a collision with your auto insurance company.
4. Hire an Attorney
You should consult an attorney as soon as possible after an accident. This will allow your rights to be protected and valuable evidence will not be damaged. It is common for insurance companies to request statements immediately following an accident.
Providing such a statement should only be done after consulting a Marion, AR car accident lawyer. Your lawyer can assist you with everything from making sure you are fully compensated for your vehicle to making sure you receive the best medical treatment available. Injury lawyers work on a contingency basis, meaning they do not charge a fee unless they are successful in recovering compensation for your injuries.
Marion Car Accident Lawyer Near Me (901) 526-2126
Getting Compensation from a Car Accident Claim
You may be entitled to compensation if you’ve been injured in a car accident that wasn’t your fault. Whether you’re a driver, a passenger, or a pedestrian injured in a collision, you’re likely to be compensated for injuries, anxiety, medical expenses, lost income, and other expenses directly related to the accident.
Car accidents can vary dramatically in terms of the compensation that you can claim, as with most types of accident claims. There is simply no way to predict in advance how each person may be affected by a car accident.
Your solicitor will instead calculate compensation based on two types of damages. These include:
- General damages: This includes calculable expenses, such as medical bills, lost wages, out-of-pocket expenses, property damage losses, and more.
- Special damages: This includes more immersable expenses a person experiences after a car accident, including physical and emotional pain and suffering losses.
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5 Steps to Filing a Car Accident Claim
As a result of the differences in regulations between states, the reporting and claims processes can also differ. Even though the exact steps may vary, here’s what you need to know on how to make a car insurance claim.
1. Call the Authorities
If the accident is severe, you’ll need to contact the authorities. Documenting the accident is crucial. During this process, they will document the details of the accident based on the testimonies of all parties involved (including witnesses). Insurers will use this documentation to determine which party is responsible for damages.
2. Find Out Who the Other Party Is
You have the right to know the other driver’s name and contact information. Providing your personal information is also your responsibility. You must have the following information:
- Name
- License number
- Plate number
- Insurance details
3. Obtain Witnesses’ Information
You should also obtain the contact information of any witnesses who can assist you with your claim. Witnesses may want to share their experiences with the accident. However, not everybody is interested in doing so.
If they don’t want to talk, don’t be rude. Many witnesses who remain on the scene are more than willing to assist.
4. Photograph the Accident Scene
Don’t hesitate to take pictures of the accident scene if you are carrying a camera or camera phone at the time. You may be able to file a claim with the help of photographs taken at the accident scene.
5. File Your Claim
The initial complaint needs to include an overview of the accident and a proposal for compensation. If you have a car accident attorney in Marion, AR, he or she can:
- Analyze your accident
- Get evidence to use in your claim
- Write the first complaint
- Estimate the amount to be settled
- Make sure it is filed properly
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Insured vs Uninsured Motorist Accidents: How They Differ
Underinsured motorist claims are different from uninsured motorist claims primarily because the person who injured you has to be covered by insurance.
In the case of underinsured motorist coverage, you make two claims: one against the other driver and one against your own insurer. When you deal with an uninsured motorist, you will only need to file a single claim with your insurer through your UM coverage. To make sure that all your costs are covered up to the policy limit, your car accident lawyer will work with your insurance company.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer in Marion, AR Today
The Marion, AR car accident lawyers at Gatti, Keltner, Bienvenu & Montesi PLC can protect you from legal claims that the other party, who was at fault for the accident, will make an effort to deny responsibility, even if your accident was minor.
It is best to schedule an appointment with a Marion, AR, car accident attorney to learn more about what they can do for you. This will allow you to ask questions and discuss details specific to your case.
Call or text (901) 526-2126 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form