Anyone who has the experience of being in a vehicle accident in Libertyville, even a fender bender, knows that feeling of anxiety, stress and worry that comes after the wreck. In the best case scenarios, there may only be minor damage to the vehicle, which means you probably don’t need the expert assistance of an auto accident attorney.
On the other hand, where there are injuries or when there is significant damage to a vehicle, having an attorney involved very quickly after the accident is important to ensure you get a fair settlement.
It is also essential to understand that immediately after the accident it may be very difficult to assess the level of injuries sustained. This is because your body is being flooded with adrenaline and you may be in a state of shock. Often muscle and soft tissue injuries, some which can be very debilitating and long-term, don’t actually become problematic for hours or days after the accident.
First Thing to Do
The first and most important thing to do before contacting an auto accident attorney after an accident is to make sure everyone is safe and uninjured. This includes people in other vehicles involved in the accident as well as pedestrians that may be involved.
Calling 911 to report the accident, and requesting an ambulance needs to be a priority. Keep the conversation with others involved limited to asking about injuries and avoid making any statements or discussing the cause of the accident.
It will be important to get information from witnesses, get other driver’s information and insurance details, and to make a police report with the officer that arrives at the scene. It is also important to take pictures of the area, the accident and the vehicles, ideally before they are moved from the accident scene.
Talking to an Attorney
It is critical to talk to an auto accident attorney as soon as possible if there are any serious injuries and if anyone is taken from the accident in an ambulance. You will also need an attorney if there is a death in the accident or if there were any issues with the road, or the accident is in a construction site. Also, if the other driver was not insured, it is critical to discuss your options with a lawyer.
Even if there are no injuries but significant damage to your vehicle, or if you believe you are going to be considered “at fault” for the accident, talk to an attorney. If you are having difficulty in working with your insurance company, or if your insurance company is not willing negotiate a fair settlement, an auto accident attorney in Libertyville can work on your behalf to get you the compensation you are entitled to under your policy.
In Libertyville, the Law Offices Of Robert T. Edens, P.C, you will find an experienced auto accident attorney to represent your best interests. To learn more about our services, visit us online at www.robertedenslawoffice.com.
