car accidents | Online Lawyer Network

Charleston, SC – From the moment a car accident happens, the driver needs to take certain steps to preserve their rights and ability to be compensated fully. It is important for drivers to follow rules for dealing with an accident closely, as there may be insurance consequences or even criminal charges for certain behaviors if the driver is not careful.

Making contact with others involved

Even if it appears that an accident is very minor, the driver should not leave immediately and make contact with the other drivers. Leaving the scene of an accident is a crime. All drivers should exchange information at the scene, and contact the police or local emergency services if it appears that there is any kind of significant property damage or injuries to the people involved.

Law enforcement and the accident report

If the police do arrive, the driver should make contact with them and see if there are any questions that need to be answered. Giving an account of what happened can be crucial to the process to generate an accurate report. This documentation can become one of the most important pieces of evidence if it is necessary for the drivers to appear in court or file insurance claims at a later time. Officers with knowledge of traffic laws and road conditions can summarize what happened in their report and give an opinion regarding the cause of the crash.

Contacting insurance companies

Drivers are required by the terms of their auto insurance policy to report the accident as well. This should be done as soon as realistically possible after the area is secured and the driver is safe. Reporting the crash will help create a formal claim and the driver may receive compensation from their provider depending on the specifics of the accident.

Getting representation from an attorney

Unfortunately, some drivers are left with large costs that may not be covered by the relevant auto insurance policy. It is a good idea for people in this situation to contact a local lawyer and explain their problems. In most cases, a lawsuit against the person or business responsible for the crash is the best way to try to get payments for these costs. The defendant may have to pay out through their insurance, or they may be personally liable for any injuries or property damage that they caused.

Meeting with an attorney after an accident in South Carolina

The Clekis Law Firm is available to assist accident victims in the Charleston area with various legal matters. Contacting the firm to schedule a consultation is the best way for people dealing with the aftermath of a car crash to get started.

Firm contact info:

The Clekis Law Firm

171 Church St., Charleston SC, 29401

[email protected]

843-900-0000

clekis.com

Baton Rouge, LA – Vehicle damage is a part of almost every car accident. In most cases, the driver can just file an insurance claim to see if these losses and the costs of repairs will be covered. Civil lawsuits are mostly reserved for accidents that result in injuries and losses related to the victim’s inability to work as normal, but an attorney should be contacted so that the victim can decide what is the best course of action based on their personal situation. People who sustain medical issues are normally the ones who end up bringing personal injury lawsuits in most cases.

The insurance process and collision coverage

The main remedy most drivers have for vehicle damage after an accident will be through their insurance policy. Some auto insurance policies may not cover collision damage at all, while others may require the driver to pay a deductible before the insurance company will start to pay for any losses.

Any accident victim should contact their insurance provider as soon as possible and report the collision. The insurance company will normally tell the person what to do and how to follow their process for filing a claim and receiving funds to make repairs. Legal help may be necessary if the insurance company is being evasive or refusing to assist the victim even when it is clear that they have sustained losses that should be covered.

Is a lawsuit necessary for property damage?

Most civil lawsuits after car accidents are for losses beyond vehicle damage. Things like medical treatment and hospital stays, lost wages and income, and continued healthcare in the months or years after a collision tend to be much more expensive than repairing a car, even if the vehicle damage is severe.

In any situation, it is always best for victims to get legal advice from a local licensed attorney. The decision to bring a civil case is normally made after an exchange of information between the potential client and the lawyer and careful consideration. There is not one general piece of advice related to all civil lawsuits that will determine what should happen in any individual case. However, as a general rule, lawsuits will tend to be necessary after severe accidents, where accidents that only result in minor amounts of property damage may be resolved through the insurance process.

Learning more about car accident lawsuits

Anyone who has been involved in a motor vehicle accident in the Baton Rouge area has the option of contacting an experienced personal injury attorney. Miller, Hampton, and Hilgendorf is a respected firm that helps local clients with their civil lawsuits and related issues.

Firm contact info:

Miller, Hampton, and Hilgendorf

3960 Government St., Baton Rouge, LA 70806

225-343-2205

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