Right after a car accident, the only thing you are thinking is: am I still alive? Do I have injuries? Where am I? These questions are very common for a person to ask themselves right after a traumatic vehicle collision.
The protocol in a car accident can vary depending on the severity of the crash. However, it is important to exchange information with the other driver or individual(s) involved. Then, depending on the amount of damages done to property or vehicles, there must be a report filed with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). This is known as the SR 1 form. The SR 1 must be filled out within 10 days of the accident if there is at least $750 worth of damages, bodily injuries or deaths as a result of the car accident. The SR 1 form can be completed out by insurance adjusters as well as legal representatives of the driver(s) involved. California car accident lawyer Emery Ledger of Ledger & Associates recommends contacting a lawyer as soon as possible to ensure that you properly adhere to California or state wide rules for personal injury or automobile accidents.
It is extremely crucial to consult an attorney quickly after a car accident. The attorney can facilitate in the SR-1 accident report, which is, many times, a mandatory first step. If an SR-1 accident report is not filed, there is no legal verification of the parties involved in the accident. More so, the SR 1 is able to confirm proper insurance on drivers and their specific coverage details. If you got into a car accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver, the SR-1 is also a way for the other party to be penalized and filing a claim can ensure proper monetary compensation for damages. There can also be steep repercussions for not filing a report that
Moreover, contacting a car accident attorney quickly can help you to deal with insurance companies who would seek to delay, minimize, or deny your case. Insurance adjusters may try to convince you to settle with an amount that would only minimally cover damages and leave you paying out-of-pocket expenses for injuries or damages that may not have been your fault.
Therefore, regardless of the initial severity that may seem to be associated with the collision, it is always best to consult with a car accident attorney in regards to the incident. This way, there can be a comprehensive review of the accident so that you may receive the full and rightful compensation for damages done to the vehicle or yourself.
Lastly, there are strict time constraints governed by statutes of limitation. Be especially careful in this area when dealing with government entities. Call our office to learn more.
We understand that being in a car accident is stressful and often times a challenging experience. We want to relieve all your stress related to the legalities of your case. If you would like to consult a personal injury lawyer regarding your case please contact a professional car accident lawyer from the Offices of Ledger & Associates for more information. Please give us a call at 1-800-300-0001 or visit the website at www.ledgerlaw.com.
