More than 6 million car accidents happen in the United States every year. The unfortunate people involved in these accidents are often faced with injuries, property damage, mental distress, and a to-do list filled with phone calls and reports. After you’ve been injured in a car accident, the last thing on your mind should be how to pay for all the expenses that are coming your way. Your only focus should be recovering from the damage caused by the crash.
Leave everything else to an experienced auto accident lawyer like the ones at Miller Stern Lawyers. They specialize in jumping through all the hoops necessary to receive compensation at the end of this mess. If you decide to handle your case without insurance companies or a lawyer, the other party could take advantage of you and either low-ball you or never pay you a dime.
If you trust the insurance companies to take care of everything, Miller Stern says you’ve made a pivotal mistake as well. Insurance companies will handle the incident through the claims process, but their goal is to solve the case as quickly as possible while saving themselves money.
Who to Call After a Car Accident?
A car accident can be a frightening and overwhelming experience, leaving you unsure of what to do next. Knowing who to call after a collision can make all the difference in ensuring your safety, protecting your rights, and securing fair compensation for any damages or injuries. Here’s a step-by-step guide on who to contact after a car accident.
1. Emergency Services (911)
If there are injuries or significant damage, your first call should be to 911. Law enforcement and emergency responders can provide medical assistance and document the accident scene, which can be crucial for your insurance claim and legal case.
2. Miller Stern Lawyers LLC's Car Accident Attorney
After ensuring safety and seeking medical care, it’s wise to call a car accident lawyer. The One Call That Will Give You the Advantage on Your Car Accident Claims is to an experienced attorney who can guide you through the complexities of insurance claims, legal liability, and compensation for your injuries. Miller Stern Lawyers LLC can help protect your rights and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf.
3. Your Insurance Company
Notifying your insurance company as soon as possible is essential. Be prepared to provide details about the accident, but avoid admitting fault or making statements that could be used against you later. A lawyer can help you communicate with insurers to ensure you don’t get shortchanged on your claim.
4. Medical Providers
Even if you feel fine after the accident, some injuries may not show symptoms right away. Contact a medical professional for a thorough evaluation to rule out hidden injuries and establish a record for your case.
5. The Police (For an Official Report)
In some states, you are legally required to report a car accident. Even if it’s not mandatory, having an official police report can serve as valuable evidence when dealing with insurance companies or potential legal disputes.
6. Witnesses
If there were any bystanders who saw the accident, try to collect their contact information. Witness statements can provide valuable third-party accounts of what happened, strengthening your case.
7. A Tow Truck Service (If Necessary)
If your vehicle is too damaged to drive, you may need a tow truck to move it to a repair shop or safe location. Some insurance policies cover towing, so check with your provider.
“Accident cases require an attorney to help a potential client maneuver through the insurance process. It is important to remember that all insurance companies have one interest and that is not paying you money or paying you the least amount of money possible,” Kevin Stern says.
Economic vs Non-Economic Car Accident Claims
Your request for compensation following a car accident is called a claim, which can be economic or non-economic. Economic claims include things that cost money, such as current and future medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, or funeral expenses. Non-economic claims are more subjective and include pain and suffering or emotional distress.
Even if the circumstances of the crash seem cut-and-dry, it’s a good idea to consult a lawyer if you’re unsure about anything. What if one of the crash victims has a pre-existing medical condition aggravated by the crash? How long does a victim need medical care, and how much should be covered? Who was at fault in the crash? (Remember that Maryland is a state that abides by the contributory negligence rule, which says a person is barred from any compensation if it can be proven they contributed to their own injury by at least 1%.) The answers to these questions could complicate the claims process, which makes an experienced lawyer so valuable to have on your side.
Reporting
After the crash, it’s imperative that you receive any treatment you believe you need. Listen to the recommendations from emergency responders at the scene. You may not feel some of the pain because you’re in shock or running on adrenaline, and you risk losing compensation if you wait too long to file a claim for treatment you receive. In Maryland, the actual time you have to file a civil lawsuit for an auto accident is three years, but that is different from filing a claim with insurance companies, who usually require you to report your injuries and initial treatment costs within days or weeks of the incident.
Find a way to get the other person’s insurance information at the scene so that you can file a claim against them if necessary. If you can’t physically ask for it yourself, rely on law enforcement to get this information to you. Once you’ve recovered from the initial trauma, try to write down as many details as you can about the crash. You may start receiving calls from the other party involved or their insurance company, but don’t feel like you need to answer any of their questions alone. Talk to a lawyer immediately so that you have someone who will represent you during these conversations and can use the details you provide to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact Our Car Accident Lawyers
Knowing who to call after a car accident can help you take the right steps toward recovery and justice. Making the right calls promptly can mean the difference between a smooth claims process and unnecessary stress. Whether dealing with insurance adjusters, medical bills, or legal complexities, having a reliable support system is crucial.
Miller Stern Lawyers LLC is committed to advocating for accident victims and ensuring they receive fair treatment and maximum compensation. Our experienced legal team understands the tactics used by insurance companies and will fight to protect your rights every step of the way.
If you've been involved in an accident, don't navigate this process alone. Let us handle the legal aspects while you focus on recovery. Contact Miller Stern Lawyers LLC today for a free consultation and let us help you secure the justice and compensation you deserve!
Miller Stern Lawyers, treats every client like family. They have helped clients receive millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements. Miller Stern is a contingency-based firm, which means they only get paid when you get paid. If you’ve been injured in a car accident and need help receiving compensation, don’t hesitate to call 410-LAW-FIRM or visit millersternlawyers.com today.