What to Do After a Car Accident in Wilmington: Protect Your Legal Rights
If you have been in an accident and are wondering what to do after a car accident in Wilmington, it is important that you take in the right information and advice to ensure that you are set up well. It is vital that your rights are protected after an accident, and if they have been violated in any way, you deserve justice.
How to Protect Your Legal Rights After a Car Accident
Protecting your legal rights after a car accident involves taking specific steps at the scene and afterward to ensure you’re safe, properly documented, and legally protected. No matter how serious the accident is, your rights should be protected. In 2021, 43,230 individuals were killed in motor vehicle-related accidents; these cases are taken very seriously. Below is an outline of what to do immediately after the accident and after you leave the accident scene.
Immediately After the Accident
It is vital to respond well at the scene of the accident. The first step is always to move to safety, if it is safe, check for injuries, and contact emergency responders. If you are in an unsafe area, like the middle of an intersection or on a busy highway, and you can move to the side of the road safely, this is a good idea. You can contact medical care if there are any injuries, and local law enforcement to ensure a police report is filed, which is critical for claims.
Exchange contact information of all involved parties. This includes getting names, phone numbers, insurance details, license plate numbers, and driver’s license numbers. If you can, document the accident scene. You can take photos or videos of any vehicle damage, visible injuries, road conditions, signs, skid marks, traffic signals, and any other relevant information. Throughout all of this, do not admit fault.
After Leaving the Accident Scene
It is helpful to seek medical attention even if you feel fine, as some injuries can show up later. Medical records are vital for personal injury claims to prove the full extent of losses.
As soon as you are able, contact your insurance company promptly. Be honest about the details of the accident, but avoid speculating or accepting blame. Insurers may try to determine fault, but especially in these initial moments after an accident, fault may be unclear.
Throughout the aftermath of the accident, keep detailed records. The better records you have, the more solid your case can be. Save things like medical bills, repair estimates, communications with insurance companies, and any time off work or lost wages. It may be helpful to get a copy of a police record; the police station in Wilmington is located on Bayview Ave.
Try to limit what you say to the other party’s insurer. Try not to give a recorded statement without first receiving legal advice, as they may use your words against you to reduce compensation.
Speak with a Wilmington car accident attorney, especially if you were injured, there is a dispute around fault, or the insurance company is being uncooperative. Lawyers can help you protect your rights and receive fair compensation for all of your losses.
Why Choose Us?
At Shaffer Law, we put our clients’ needs first. As one of California’s leading personal injury law firms, we have helped countless clients, just like you, get the compensation and justice they deserve for their cases. If you have faced an injury, you deserve to get the support you need to get your feet back under you and set up for the future. Our team has won over $100 million in compensation for our clients, and we are ready to add you to that list.
FAQs
Q: What Should You Not Say to the Insurance Company After an Accident?
A: After an accident, it is often important that you do not admit fault to any degree for causing the accident, as this can significantly negatively impact your claim. When speaking with an insurance adjuster, provide only the undisputed details of the accident. In the moments following an accident, fault can be unclear, so it is advisable to consult with a lawyer first before assigning fault, unless it was clearly and undisputedly the other party’s fault.
Q: What Do You Do if You Get in a Car Accident in Wilmington?
A: If you were in a car accident in Wilmington, you should respond promptly to ensure your safety and set yourself up for a successful claim. The first step is to move to a safe location and get medical care if you have any injuries. It’s then helpful to contact the local police and ensure that a police report is filed. Then, take any steps that are needed with your insurance provider to see that you are eligible for compensation.
Q: What Should You Do if an Accident Is Your Fault?
A: If an accident is your fault, it is important that you respond to the incident promptly. If you believe you caused the accident, it may be helpful to loop in a lawyer who can investigate the details of the accident. In many cases, fault is shared between multiple parties, but this may be hard to see when you are close to the accident. Speaking with a lawyer can help to provide that necessary insight and perspective.
Q: How Can a Car Accident Lawyer Help Me?
A: A car accident lawyer can help you in several ways. They can ensure that your rights are protected throughout the duration of your case and provide key support to help you make informed decisions. A lawyer can help you with the complicated paperwork that is often involved in a car accident claim, negotiate a fair settlement, and represent you in court if your case moves to trial.
Speak With a Local and Trusted Car Accident Lawyer Today
Don’t wait to get legal support for your accident; reach out to Shaffer Law today and schedule an initial consultation. By setting up this first meeting, you agree to meet with a trustworthy legal advocate who can help you navigate the complexities of your case.
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