Following an Everett car accident, there are a number of important questions that begin to surface about how the situation should be handled. Many of these questions will play a significant role in determining whether the victims of the accident will be able to obtain full and fair compensation for their damages. Here are seven important questions you need to ask after you ve been involved in an Everett car crash. 2
1. I ve been in a car accident. What do I do? Immediately following the accident, most drivers are still reeling from this traumatic event. The question on their minds is always, What should I do? The most important thing to do is to remain calm and stay on the scene. Leaving the scene of the accident, unless you are being transported by an ambulance, can result in criminal charges. If someone hasn t already done so, call 911. This will bring the police and a medical team, if necessary, to the scene of the accident. Write down the other driver s information, such as their name, address, and phone number. Also, collect contact information from anyone who witnessed the accident. If you are able, take pictures of the damage and the scene. This information will equip your car accident attorney with additional evidence as they file your personal injury claim. 3
2. How do I know if I was at fault? Ultimately, any fault for the car accident falls on the driver or drivers that were careless or negligent while on the road. To prove negligence, there must be evidence that a driver s unreasonable or negligent behavior resulted in actual injury and damage. If you are partially at fault, you may still be entitled some compensation, but much less than if you are not responsible for the accident. 3. Why should I talk to an attorney? An Everett car accident attorney can help you to file a personal injury claim. These professionals are trained to analyze your unique situation, identify a reasonable compensation rate, and negotiate with the insurance companies until a reasonable rate can be agreed upon. If the insurance company denies a claim, your Everett attorney can be the one to represent you in court. These experienced individuals can ensure that you receive full and fair compensation for your injuries and losses. 4. When should I talk to an attorney? A car accident attorney should be contacted as soon as possible, especially if the accident resulted in any severe injuries or the death of a loved one. If too much time goes by, your case can slowly lose ground that would have ensured its success. Evidence can disappear, witnesses can move, memories can fade, and other factors can jeopardize the success of your case. By contacting an Everett car accident attorney promptly after an accident, it will be easier for them to find, collect, and organize the evidence necessary to clearly support your case. 4
5. Do I have to see a doctor following my accident? It is highly recommended that you see a doctor after your car accident. Car accidents can cause a variety of injuries. Some injuries, such as lacerations or broken bones, are immediately visible. Other injuries, such as brain injuries or soft tissue damage, can take time to manifest themselves. If you wait too long before meeting with a doctor about your injuries, there is little an attorney can do to prove that these injuries were actually caused by your car accident. By seeing a doctor immediately after your accident, they can perform a thorough assessment of your condition and make appropriate documentation. This information can be used to ensure that you are compensated for any injuries felt further down the road. 5
6. What if the other driver doesn t have insurance? When it comes to insurance, it doesn t really matter which party has insurance, so long as one of the parties involved in the accident is covered. An experienced Everett attorney can pursue compensation through your insurance policy if the other driver is not covered, or vice versa. However, at least one of the drivers must have an active insurance policy. 7. Will I have to go to court if I file a personal injury claim? Many Everett car accident victims do not have to go to court to have their claims addressed. If your attorney and the insurance company can agree on an appropriate settlement, then there will be no need to attend court. Sometimes, however, it is necessary for formal proceedings to take place to ensure that your claim is settled in a just and fair fashion. In both cases, Everett car accident victims can increase their chances of receiving full compensation by contacting a qualified attorney. At Russell and Hill, PLLC, our Everett car accident attorneys have the training and experience necessary to prepare your personal injury claim and present it with confidence in court. For more information, feel free to contact us by giving us a call, or filling out our contact form. 6