Being involved in a car accident is a traumatic situation. It can happen to anyone, regardless of who was at fault. However, it can be even more frightening if you were the party responsible. If you were involved or at fault in an accident, it is critical to know your next steps. Pursuing the wrong course of action can waste valuable time, be an extra hassle, and cost a significant amount of money. Hiring a car accident lawyer is usually the best action after an incident, especially before dealing with insurance companies or other injured parties.
You’re At Fault In A Car Accident: What Are The Next Steps?
If you know beyond a doubt that you have instigated a motor vehicle accident, it can be disorienting, and you can feel guilt-ridden. You must put your feelings aside and stay focused on a few critical steps.
1. Don’t Leave the Scene of an Accident
You must not leave the scene if you believe you are at fault in a car accident. You may already feel like you’ve caused a bad situation for yourself or others, but the problem could grow significantly if you leave the scene. Leaving the accident site could be seen as evasion, or fleeing a crime scene, potentially turning you into a criminal.
2. Exchange Insurance Information Immediately
It is still important to exchange insurance information with the other parties involved in the incident, even if there hasn’t been any visible damage. If there is physical damage to any car, insurance can help with that. It also can assist any injured parties, even if their injuries aren’t evident at the scene.
3. Call the Police for Documentation
The police must be called to the scene if there is damage. Any degree of property damage should be documented by a law enforcement professional. This helps keep an unbiased record of the incident. If there have been physical injuries to a person, emergency services should be called as well.
4. Don’t Ever Admit Fault
If you are waiting for the police or an ambulance at the accident, try to keep to yourself. This may be challenging due to potential tensions, adrenaline, or any emotions you may be experiencing. However, it is critical that you avoid admitting fault or apologizing – this could make the situation worse.
Additionally, try not to mention blame, your actions before the accident, indications of fault, or finding out where others might have made mistakes. These questions and the answers could potentially be used against you in the future.
Defending Yourself Instead of Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer
Defending yourself in a lawsuit is not easy. However, it is possible to represent yourself if you choose to avoid hiring a legal professional. If you were at fault in a car accident, the first hard line of your legal defense is to not admit to any responsibility. Instead of focusing on who was at blame or apologizing, focus on the facts. Document the scene and gather information immediately after the incident. While you are trying not to be prosecuted for the accident, remember you don’t want to self-incriminate by admitting to any form of negligence.
Even if you may be at fault in a car accident, you may not be the only one! Often, multiple parties make mistakes that cause an accident to occur. Contributory and comparative negligence are two legal theories that try to appropriate blame to multiple parties involved. Comparative negligence only allows the injured party to claim damages by the percentage of the fault, while contributory negligence bars any party from the accident from suing for injuries.
Legal theories, laws, and technical jargon can be extremely complicated. Lawyers spend years in post-graduate education learning these and many more, building their case knowledge throughout their careers and lives. No matter how well you understand the potential defenses of a car accident lawyer, it can become challenging or intimidating to argue them in front of a judge and court. If you’re not a professional, lawsuits can become quite challenging tasks that can carry on for an extended period.
Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer
Contacting a lawyer is the best thing to do after you’ve been in a car accident where you may have been at fault. Lawyers know the ins and outs of each law regarding car accidents, fault, insurance, and negligence. A professional car accident lawyer will see your case with a fresh set of eyes. Not only will they draw from years of experience to assess the facts, but they will research similar claims and will be better prepared for your trial with well-researched case law and an in-depth understanding of your local legal system.
Consulting an experienced attorney is the best thing you can do for your case. Lawyers are prepared, eloquent, and intentional in court and know how to navigate legal proceedings. Hiring an attorney specializing in car accidents or personal injury will ensure the outcome of your case is much better than representing yourself with less knowledge.
How Robert Jones Law Can Help
Have you recently been in a car accident where you believe you are at fault? If you’re feeling intimidated by insurance claims and a lawsuit, Robert Jones Law is here to help! Our professional lawyers have years of experience filing personal injury and car accident lawsuits. We will thoroughly examine your case, its unique elements, the documentation of the scene, and the ongoing insurance proceedings. Using this information, we will advise you on the optimal next steps based on your needs, wants, and budget. Visit our website and get a free consultation with experienced personal injury attorneys Roberts Jones Law.
