Even after what you might consider a minor car accident, you should absolutely call an attorney. Most likely there is still compensation to be offered for damages that appear insignificant.
Reason #1
Remaining at the Scene & Offering a Police Report
Even if it's a fender bender or a graze, stay at the scene. Do your best to get the other driver's insurance information. Call the police, and give them an accurate report. That police report will be used to award you appropriate damages.
Take your own photos as well; of your car, the other car, any debris on the ground, and your surroundings. Your attorney will use this evidence to build your case.
And remember the golden rule, even after a minor accident: Never admit fault. You've done your job by remaining at the scene and offering an accurate testimony. Now let your lawyer and the authorities do their jobs in determining fault. It's important to remember that even if the accident was your fault, your attorney can still build a case for various paths of compensation.
Take your own photos as well; of your car, the other car, any debris on the ground, and your surroundings. Your attorney will use this evidence to build your case.
And remember the golden rule, even after a minor accident: Never admit fault. You've done your job by remaining at the scene and offering an accurate testimony. Now let your lawyer and the authorities do their jobs in determining fault. It's important to remember that even if the accident was your fault, your attorney can still build a case for various paths of compensation.
Reason #2
Identifying All Avenues of Compensation & Filing An Insurance Claim
Let your attorney deal with the insurance company. Pursuing any amount of compensation for your insurance carrier is time sensitive. A personal injury lawyer will be able to quickly and accurately document your losses, from vehicle damages to medical bills to lost wages.
And whether or not your car accident was minor, an attorney will be able to understand the worth of your case and how much compensation you deserve, especially if you begin to experience physical pain or mental distress after the accident. Damages you can't immediately see from the outside but lead to extended pain and suffering can greatly affect your compensation amount. Your attorney will know exactly how to submit proof of this pain and suffering.
And whether or not your car accident was minor, an attorney will be able to understand the worth of your case and how much compensation you deserve, especially if you begin to experience physical pain or mental distress after the accident. Damages you can't immediately see from the outside but lead to extended pain and suffering can greatly affect your compensation amount. Your attorney will know exactly how to submit proof of this pain and suffering.
Reason #3
Proving Fault & Liability
A minor accident might create some grey areas in determining fault and liability. A personal injury lawyer will send an investigator on-site to evaluate every aspect of the accident, including witness interviews and police reports, surveys of the scene, video recording, and even forensic evidence from each vehicle.
Having an attorney who can gather proof of fault and liability will rule out the possibility of being blindsided by the other driver filing a claim against you.
Having an attorney who can gather proof of fault and liability will rule out the possibility of being blindsided by the other driver filing a claim against you.
If you have been in a minor car accident, call a Jacksonville car accident attorney at Wilkes & mee today. Even if it's a fender bender, we will investigate every aspect of the accident and pursue the compensation you deserve.