If You Have an Accident in Which Someone Is Injured, You Should…
Gregg Hollander | March 11, 2025 | Car Accidents
Accidents can happen to anyone at any time. You might be driving your car on a quiet street or riding your bike in the park. You can even walk around the neighborhood. No matter where you are, there is always a chance that an accident can happen.
When someone gets hurt in an accident, it can be very scary. You might feel frightened and confused. You might not know what to do right away. Here, we will help guide you through those moments. It will also clarify your rights and choices. We will look at simple steps you can take if you ever find yourself in a situation where someone suffers an injury. An experienced car accident attorney can guide you through the process, ensuring you receive fair compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
Who Should You Talk to About the Accident?
When an accident happens, there can be many people who want to talk to you. The police might want your statement if they come to the scene. Insurance companies might call you to get information. You might also talk to friends and family about what happened.
However, knowing that what you say can matter later is important. If you say something that sounds like an admission of fault, someone can use it against you. If you blame someone else too soon, that can cause problems if you were partly responsible.
It is usually a good idea to speak with the police truthfully when they arrive. They need to know what happened so they can write a correct report. You can also talk to your own insurance company because most policies require you to tell them about an accident. Be honest, but stick to the facts. Do not guess or add details you are not sure about. If you do not remember something, it is better to say, “I don’t remember,” rather than guess.
Sometimes, the other person’s insurance company might call you. They might ask for your version of what happened or for more details. You should be careful. Before you speak to them in-depth, you might want to talk to a personal injury lawyer. A lawyer can tell you what you should or should not say. This is because insurance companies work for their side. They may try to use your words to pay less money than you deserve. A lawyer can protect you.
Why Should You Consider a Personal Injury Lawyer?
A personal injury lawyer knows the laws about accidents and injuries. They can assist if the accident was not your fault. They can talk to the insurance companies for you, so you do not have to worry about saying the wrong thing. They can also help determine if you should file a claim for medical bills, car repairs, or other damages.
Personal injury cases can be very difficult. Insurance companies might not want to pay a fair amount for your injuries. They might question if you suffered an injury or say the accident was your fault.
A personal injury attorney can gather evidence to show what happened. They can speak to witnesses or review videos that people took. They can also guide you through the paperwork, which can be confusing. When you have a lawyer, you have someone on your side who knows the rules and can fight for you.
It might feel strange to hire a lawyer. You might worry about the cost. However, many personal injury attorneys use a “contingency fee.” This means they only get compensated if they win money for you. Then, they get a part of that money as their fee. You do not owe them money for their work if they do not win.
This setup can help people who are worried about affording a lawyer. Many people choose to talk with a personal injury lawyer before talking to the other side’s insurance company, as it can protect them from big mistakes.
What Happens If the Other Person’s Insurance Calls You?
It can be confusing if the other person’s insurance company calls you. They might seem friendly. They might say they just want to “get the facts.” They might ask you to give a recorded statement or sign some forms. But you should be careful. Anything you say to them can argue that you don’t deserve money or caused the accident. They might try to get you to say something that hurts your case. This can be true even if you think you are just being honest.
If you are unsure what to do, you can politely say that you must speak with your insurance company or lawyer first. You do not have to sign forms or give a recorded statement without good advice. Some people give statements that are not 100 percent accurate because they are shaken up or confused after an accident. Insurance adjusters know this and might ask leading questions that make you say things a certain way. That is why it helps to have someone on your side who understands how these calls work.
Once you talk to a personal injury attorney, they can handle many of these calls. The lawyer can ensure they tell your story correctly. They can also push back if the insurance company tries to blame you for something that was not your fault. This might sound like a lot of work, but it can protect your rights and any money you need for medical bills or repairs.
When Is It Time to Think About a Settlement?
A settlement is an agreement between you and the person or company that caused the accident or their insurance company. In the settlement, you agree to accept a certain amount of money in exchange for dropping any legal claim. Many accident cases end in a settlement instead of going to court. The case is usually closed when both sides agree on a fair amount. But how do you know when it is time to think about settling?
You might start thinking about a settlement after you have finished your medical treatments or when doctors know how long you will need to heal. If you settle too soon, you might not get enough money if your injuries worsen later.
A personal injury lawyer can determine the right time to settle. They will look at your medical bills, how much work you missed, and any pain and suffering you went through. They will also check if there might be future medical needs.
If the insurance company offers a settlement, you should take your time to think it over. You do not have to say yes right away. Most people talk to a lawyer before they accept any offer. Sometimes, insurance companies will offer less money than the case is worth. They might hope you will take it just to end the matter quickly. But that might not be enough if your bills or injuries are serious.
Make sure you understand all your costs before saying yes to a settlement. Once you sign the papers, you usually cannot ask for more money later.
How Can You Protect Your Rights?
Accidents can lead to many different problems. You might have medical bills. You cannot work for a while. Your car or bike might need repairs. Or maybe your home needs fixing if the accident happened there. If someone else caused the accident, you might want them or their insurance company to pay for these costs. That’s why protecting your rights matters.
One way to protect yourself is to keep good records. Save all your medical bills, repair bills, and receipts for anything related to the accident. Keep track of the days you miss from work. If you see a doctor or professional, note what they say about your injury. Write down if you are in pain or cannot do some things you used to do, like playing sports or even going for walks. All of this can show how the accident changed your life.
Another way is to learn about the laws in your state. Some states have time limits on how long you have to make a claim. Others have rules about who can sue and for how much money. A personal injury lawyer can explain these rules to you. They can also tell you if you have a strong case.
By taking these steps, you ensure you do not miss important deadlines. You also make sure you are ready if the insurance company tries to say you are not hurt or that you caused the accident.
Have You Thought About the Costs of an Accident?
Accidents are not just about bumps and bruises. They can lead to huge medical bills. You might need X-rays or surgery. You might need physical therapy or special medicine. Some injuries never fully heal, meaning you need care for years.
You can also lose earnings if you cannot work. If your car was badly damaged, you might have to pay to fix it or buy a new one. If your home was damaged, you might have to pay for repairs or live elsewhere for a while.
All these costs add up. You should not have to pay for them all by yourself if you are not at fault. That is why insurance exists. However, insurance companies do not always like to pay large amounts. They might argue that the injury was not that bad. Or they might blame you for part of the accident.
That is when talking to a personal injury lawyer can help. They know how to deal with insurance companies. They can push back if the company tries to offer too little money. They can gather proof of your costs and injuries. This can ensure you receive a fair amount to cover your needs. Without a lawyer, you might get stuck paying more than you should.
Will an Accident Always Lead to a Lawsuit?
Not every accident ends in court. Most do not. Many people settle their claims out of court through mediation. They or their lawyers talk to the insurance company and negotiate a fair deal. This is often faster and less costly than going to trial. The case sometimes goes before a judge or jury if both sides cannot agree on a fair amount.
Even if you think your case might go to court, it is good to try to settle first. A trial can take a long time and cost a lot of money. But if the other side refuses to pay what is fair, going to court might be the only way to get justice. A personal injury lawyer can guide you through this process. They can tell you if your case is strong. They can also tell you if a settlement offer is good or if you should fight for more. Either way, you have options.
If you end up in court, remember it is unlike what you see on TV. It can be slow and not very exciting. Lawyers will speak to the judge or jury and present evidence. You might have to testify, which means answering questions under oath about what happened. Your lawyer will be there to support you. It can be scary, but being honest and prepared is the best way to handle it.
No matter what, know that you have rights and choices. You are not alone; others can support you.
Ready to Get the Help You Need? Reach Out to a Personal Injury Lawyer
If you or someone you love has suffered an injury and you are facing expensive bills, long recovery times, or loss of work, you do not have to go through it alone. You can reach out to a personal injury lawyer to find out what your rights are. A lawyer can work with insurance companies and fight for a fair settlement on your behalf.
If you need more guidance or have questions about an accident, do not wait. Talk to an experienced personal injury lawyer today to ensure you get the help and support you deserve. They are here to stand up for you and protect your future.