CAR ACCIDENT FAQS

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 35,092 people died in motor vehicle accidents in 2015, which is a 7.2% increase from 2014. Thousands more are injured every year, some of which result in permanent disabilities that require lifelong care. If you were injured in a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence, it is crucial to seek legal representation as soon as possible to pursue the fair and just compensation you need and deserve to relieve the financial burden many often experience in the aftermath of such accidents. Choose a Shreveport personal injury attorney from the Law Office of Robert B. Dunlap today. Mr. Dunlap has more than 30 years of legal experience and will fight diligently on your behalf to achieve a desirable outcome.

 

Contents

 
Q: WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I AM INVOLVED IN A CAR ACCIDENT?
Q: SHOULD I HIRE AN ATTORNEY?
Q: DO I HAVE TO NOTIFY MY INSURANCE COMPANY OF THE ACCIDENT?
Q: WHAT HAPPENS IF THE OTHER DRIVER AND THE INSURANCE COMPANY DENIES LIABILITY?
Q: WHO WILL PAY FOR ANY MEDICAL BILLS I INCUR AS A RESULT OF THE ACCIDENT?

Q:   WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I AM INVOLVED IN A CAR ACCIDENT?

A:    First and foremost, one should never leave the scene of an accident, even if you were not at fault. Doing so can result in criminal charges. If you or anyone else sustained injuries, call for emergency medical attention. If your injuries appear to be minor, you might not need to get transported to an emergency room, but you should still see a doctor as soon as possible since there is still a possibility they are worse than you think. You should never apologize or admit liability at the scene of an accident or this could be used against you later, ruining your chances at compensation. Remember to obtain any pertinent information, including names, phone numbers, addresses, driver’s license information, license plate numbers, etc.

Q:   SHOULD I HIRE AN ATTORNEY?
A:    It is generally a wise and prudent decision to hire a personal injury attorney after being involved in a car accident, particularly if you are facing serious injuries, or if a death resulted from the accident. The sooner you obtain the assistance of an attorney, the better able he or she will be able to quickly gather evidence on your behalf, including witness testimony and medical paperwork pertaining to your injuries. Insurance companies are not your friend and will do everything within their power to prevent you from securing compensation. Having an attorney on your side will help prevent an insurer from taking advantage of you.
Q:   DO I HAVE TO NOTIFY MY INSURANCE COMPANY OF THE ACCIDENT?
A:    Absolutely. You should always cooperate with your insurance company after an accident and it is also typically required for policyholders to report accidents as soon as possible. However, you should avoid making any statements about who caused the accident. Simply stick to the facts regarding the events that occurred. Although you are required to cooperate with your insurance company, you are not required to speak with the at-fault driver’s insurance company and, in fact, doing so might jeopardize the outcome of your case. You might be asked to provide a recorded statement to the other insurance company, to which you should decline.
Q:   WHAT HAPPENS IF THE OTHER DRIVER AND THE INSURANCE COMPANY DENIES LIABILITY?  
A:    This commonly occurs since denying liability is one of the easiest ways for an insurance company to avoid paying out a claim. Having an attorney on your side will help you prove liability.
Q:   WHO WILL PAY FOR ANY MEDICAL BILLS I INCUR AS A RESULT OF THE ACCIDENT?
A:    The at-fault party’s insurance company should pay for any medical bills related to injuries caused by the accident, but insurance companies too often dispute liability. The best course of action is to have your health insurance pay for your medical bills upfront and seek reimbursement from the at-fault party’s insurance company as part of your settlement.

SHREVEPORT CAR ACCIDENT ATTORNEY

At the Law Office of Robert B. Dunlap, you will receive the quality representation and legal advice you deserve for your car accident case. Our experienced Shreveport personal injury attorney will help investigate the incident and determine the facts to build a solid case on your behalf to ensure the best possible results. Our legal team is skilled at representing a broad range of car accident claims, including distracted driving, hit and runs, multi-vehicle crashes, and more. You might be entitled to compensation for medical bills, surgeries, lost wages, lost earning capacity, pain and suffering, and more.