Accidents in cars are unpredictable and complicated. From injuries to property damage, navigating a car accident is never easy for both drivers. Obtaining legal aid is critical, whether you are the at-fault driver or an accident victim. If you are a driver in Pittsburgh, PA, who has been in an accident, contact J.P. Ward & Associates for legal assistance.
Car accidents are caused by various factors, including distracted driving, fatigue, speeding, and road conditions. When you are the victim of a car accident, you have the right to seek compensation from the other driver’s insurance company for your losses, such as car damage and medical bills.
Steps to Take After an Accident
If you are responsible for the crash, here are some pointers to help you deal with the situation.
Do not flee the Collision Scene
If you are involved in a collision, fleeing the scene will only make matters worse and get you in more legal trouble. While it is natural to panic and want to flee the accident scene, remaining calm and not fleeing will keep you out of jail.
Check if there are Injured Person
Ensure that you and your passengers are safe first, then check on the other driver. Contact emergency services immediately if injured people are involved and give them all the necessary information. Ensure that you provide the emergency personnel with your exact location, the number of injured people, and the extent of their injuries.
Get off the Road
If the people involved in the car crash are unharmed, move away from traffic to avoid the risk of another collision with other vehicles. However, if the motor vehicle is badly damaged, use hazard lights to caution oncoming traffic.
Take Several Photographs of the Scene.
Pictures provide evidence of what occurred in the crash. Take photos of the motor vehicles involved from different angles, including the license plates and seat belts. Also, take pictures of your surroundings, especially the road conditions or anything that may have caused the car crash. Have a disposable camera in your car at all times that you can use to take pictures of a collision. The camera is an effective tool and comes in handy in case you lose your cell phone.
Cooperate with the Authorities.
The police will question you as they investigate the cause of the collision. Cooperate by answering questions and providing information and documents like your driver’s license to the law enforcement officer. However, do not be quick to take responsibility for the accident in the police report, as it will work against you in case of a lawsuit. Also, cooperate with the medics offering emergency assistance to help the injured person.
Exchange Information with the Other Driver
Share your contact information with the driver involved in the crash, including your cell phone number, current address, and insurance information. Your information will help them contact you and your insurer for an insurance claim. Ensure you also take the driver’s information to follow up on their insurance claims process.
Inform your Insurance Company of the Car Accident
As the at-fault driver, it is your financial responsibility to pay for the other driver’s damages. Report the incident to your insurer to compensate the other driver. Your auto insurance company will cover the driver’s repairs and medical expenses from your automobile liability insurance policy.
Why You Need an Attorney when Responsible for a Car Accident
While taking the right actions after a car crash helps, getting an attorney is equally important. At J.P. Ward & Associates, we have helped several drivers in Pittsburgh, PA , handle legal issues concerning accidents. The following are reasons why you should hire an attorney as the at-fault driver in a collision.
Attorneys are Skilled Negotiators
Dealing with court cases can be frustrating. If the driver involved in the collision decides to file a lawsuit against you, an attorney will help negotiate and reach an agreement on your behalf. Lawyers and attorneys at J.P. Ward & Associates are highly skilled negotiators who will always get you a fair deal and save you the hassle and costs of going to court.
They Conduct Investigations
While the police are responsible for investigating the cause of accidents, accident attorneys also examine the accident scene and the police report for loopholes and valuable information that may be useful in litigation.
If you have detailed photographs of the collision scene, an experienced attorney can find evidence of the factors contributing to the accident, such as damaged roads. Through thorough investigations, attorneys can also establish whether or not the other driver contributed to causing the accident. For instance, if the other driver was neglectful and failed to wear seat belts, a skilled attorney could use this information to your advantage.
They Understand the Law
J.P. Ward and Associates are experts in the traffic and driving laws of Pittsburg, PA, and the country. If you are responsible for a road accident, our attorneys will help you navigate the issue by interpreting the laws relevant to your case and informing you of your rights and options.
You may feel anxiety and guilt when you are at fault for an accident. Many drivers in these situations will quickly admit fault for being the cause of the car crash and hence face severe consequences in court. Attorneys help you avoid such mistakes and ensure you get a fair deal.
An Attorney will defend you in court
If you find yourself in court for causing an accident, a good lawyer will devise strategies to keep you out of prison. The lawyer will investigate accidents and police reports to find the information useful to you in court.
Conclusion
Road accidents can be a frightening experience to many. With the help of a skilled attorney, you can properly navigate through such incidents. Therefore, it is crucial that you thoroughly research and find the best and most experienced attorneys, especially in road accident cases.
At J.P. Ward & Associates, we have a team of highly trained attorneys who have provided legal aid and advice to Pittsburgh, PA, residents, and drivers for many years. Contact us today for professional legal services at an affordable cost.