What Should I Do if I Caused a Car Accident?
Why a Car Accident Lawyer Can Still Help
Dealing with a car accident you caused can be an overwhelming and isolating experience. After an accident, you should always consult with a personal injury lawyer or ‘car accident lawyer near me’. This is true even if you caused the accident. Here’s how the right legal guidance can make a difference.
Understanding Fault in Car Accident Cases
Whether you live in a no-fault state or a fault state, negligence laws determine who was at-fault and liable for damages. The person who acts carelessly and causes the crash can be held responsible.
Bad weather, poor road conditions, and mechanical failures may play a factor in your liability. An experienced car accident lawyer will investigate these nuances of your accident case.
Your Insurance Rates Still May Increase After an At-Fault Car Accident
Your driving history plays a significant role in how much your insurance rates increase after an accident. This is especially relevant in Georgia, known for its specific laws and insurance regulations regarding at-fault accidents. Understanding these local nuances is crucial.
You should not assume your car insurance rates won’t increase just because you have coverage. Top auto insurance companies like State Farm and GEICO will raise your premiums after an at-fault accident. Filing a claim causes insurance premiums to increase after an at-fault incident.
Some insurers offer accident forgiveness programs that can prevent rate increases after your first at-fault accident. But ultimately, expect an at fault accident insurance increase in the form of a rate hike. How much your insurance rates after an accident increase, depends on factors like:
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- Your current car insurance company and policy
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- Your previous driving record
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- How long the at-fault accident stays on your record
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- Whether injuries or major damages occurred
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- If your state has accident forgiveness programs
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- If your lawyer can negotiate rate changes with the insurer
A skilled car accident lawyer can be instrumental in your case. They may work to prove that you were not entirely to blame for the collision. This effort can help minimize any increases in your insurance premiums. Additionally, understanding how long does an accident stay on your record is vital.
Your Health Insurance May Not Cover All Accident Costs
Injuries resulting from an at-fault car crash can lead to significant medical expenses and necessitate an injury claim. While your regular health insurance may cover a portion of these bills, it’s often not enough to cover the entire cost. Managing insurance and handling the injury claim after an accident is crucial to ensure you aren’t overwhelmed.
An at-fault accident lawyer plays a key role in understanding your auto insurance coverage. Many drivers have medical payments coverage on their auto insurance policy. Most people do not know that it can cover medical bills after an accident. This is true even if you were the at fault driver.
If you were partially at fault, an experienced injury attorney can be invaluable. They may negotiate a settlement for you, with the amount reduced to reflect your percentage of liability. To gain more insight into the legal and financial issues following a car accident, review this Lawyers.com article.
Navigating the Legal System After an At-Fault Car Accident
Authorities citing a driver as at-fault for an accident can lead to fines, license suspensions, and other penalties. An experienced injury lawyer should not also handle your criminal defense. However, they should have connections with criminal defense specialists who can assist you. Their expertise helps smooth out the complex legal processes.
Gathering Evidence From the At-Fault Car Accident Scene
It is natural to wonder, ‘Can you fight an at fault accident?’ And the answer is you can always fight a ticket and the police officer’s determination you were at fault. Whether you win that argument will depend on the details of your case. For more details on proving fault and how evidence plays a crucial role, consider reading this guide by LegalZoom.
Another common question is how to prove you are not at fault in a car accident. An at-fault accident lawyer knows how to gather crucial evidence. Things like skid marks, debris locations, weather reports, witness statements, and more from the car accident scene. You can use this evidence to reduce your liability and possibly prove you were not the at-fault driver.
Reviewing the Police Report From Your At-Fault Car Accident
Don’t take a police report as definitive proof you were wholly at-fault. We see errors in police reports all too often. A car accident lawyer will spot any mistakes that wrongly place all blame on you as the driver.
Pursuing Compensation Opportunities After an At-Fault Car Accident
It may seem impossible to get any compensation if you caused the car crash. But you may still be able to receive damages in certain cases. But a talented car accident attorney investigates every avenue that could warrant financial recovery. For example, a faulty traffic light you didn’t see could potentially make the city liable too.
Handling Communications About Your At-Fault Car Accident
Discussions with insurance adjusters and other parties involved in an at-fault car accident often become heated. A lawyer acts as your representative in negotiations to remove emotions for the most strategic outcome.
Understanding Car Insurance Policies After an At-Fault Accident
Learning what car insurance coverage or liability limits can help compensate injured parties requires diving into complex policies. A car accident lawyer simplifies this process so optimal funds are available after an at-fault accident.
Receiving Fair Compensation for Your Own Injuries
If you were not at fault for the wreck, then you are 100% entitled to fair compensation for your injuries. Even if you caused the wreck, you may be entitled to receive compensation for a portion of your injuries and losses. A lawyer fights to recover damages for you too.
The Value of Legal Experience With Car Accident Cases
After an at-fault car accident, it is advisable to seek legal representation. Strongly consider seeking professional legal assistance instead of managing your case on your own. A car accident lawyer near me can provide valuable guidance and handle the legal process effectively.
Don’t hesitate to contact the ‘best car accident lawyer near me’ for assistance after a car crash you caused. The best car accident lawyers know how to get the best possible outcome and protecting your rights through the aftermath.
What Happens If You Are At Fault In A Car Accident?
If the car accident is your fault, what happens next is crucial. Taking the right steps immediately after the accident can significantly impact the outcome of your case. If you caused a car accident, it’s important to take certain steps at the scene:
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- Move to a safe location, assess injuries, and call 911 if needed
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- Turn on hazard lights and set out road flares or warning triangles
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- Avoid admitting fault or making any statements beyond required details
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- Exchange insurance and contact info with other parties involved
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- Take photos documenting damage, skid marks, car locations, etc.
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- Note weather/road conditions and witness contact information
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- Report the accident to authorities and seek medical care for injuries
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- Contact a personal injury attorney.
While a personal injury lawyer may not be able to help you in all cases. You may need to hire a criminal defense attorney to assist you. However, you should strongly consider the referral from your injury lawyer to hire a criminal defense attorney.
Having an Attorney’s Help for Next Steps
After leaving the accident scene, your next move should be contacting an experienced car accident attorney. Do not delay seeking legal help just because you were at-fault. An attorney guides you through the claims process, communications with insurers, potential negotiations, and all other complex steps ahead. With the right legal support, you can move forward from an at-fault accident in the most favorable way possible.
Take Control of Your Future After an At-Fault Accident – Contact Us Now!
In the wake of an at-fault car accident, the road ahead can seem daunting and uncertain. But you don’t have to navigate this challenging journey alone. Our law firm, specializing in personal injury cases, offers the expertise and support you need to move forward.
Reach out to schedule a FREE consultation. We will assess your case, explore every avenue for minimizing your liability, and work tirelessly to protect your interests. CALL NOW!
Let us be the ally you need in this critical time. Your journey towards a favorable resolution starts with us.