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When to contact an attorney after a car accident

A death has resulted from the accident;
An injury has occurred where there has been serious injury (broken bones / hospitalization) or where injuries are likely to be permanent (paralysis);
Fault is clearly an issue;
The accident occurred in a construction area;
Your insurer starts acting irresponsibly.
Your insurer involves its own attorney
You don’t know your rights;
Confused over the terms of your policy;
Needing an expert to review confusing paperwork or forms.

If you have been in a car accident, motorcycle accident, or truck accident then below information and resources will help you.

Depending upon the nature of the accident and the extent of the damages and injuries involved, a series of auto accident reports must be filed.

Reports typically must be filed with three sets of organizations:

(1) Police (law enforcement agencies) - The law of the state where the accident occurs may require a police report to be filed. To be safe, at least a telephone call to local police should be made shortly after an auto accident to determine local practice and the information you are required to provide.

(2) Insurance company - Most auto insurance companies require their policyholders to promptly report every auto accident. The insurance company will want to gather all of the basic information concerning the accident for its records. Sometimes the insurance company will want your authorization to make a recorded statement concerning the accident. We suggest that if you or your passengers were injured in the accident, or believe the insurance company will try to claim "you're not covered" or you have any concerns about the adequacy of your coverage, you should contact an auto accident attorney.

(3) Department of Motor Vehicles - Department of Motor Vehicles maintain auto accident reports. The requirement for these reports differs between the various states. Typically this report must be filed within 5 or 10 days of the accident. Failure to file such a required report could lead to suspension of your driving privilege. In other words, your driver's license could be taken away from you, regardless of fault, if you do not promptly file a report with your state's DMV. If you or someone was injured, it may make sense to speak to a accident lawyer before filing that report!

If you or anyone you care about has been injured in the car accident, especially if there is any permanent injury, or significant time is lost from work or school or household duties, then you’ll want to see a lawyer about possibly representing you in a claim against anyone else who may be responsible for your injuries.