Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accidents

A car accident is a traumatic occurrence. When involved in an accident, there are a lot of worries and anxieties that begin. There could be injuries, both mental and physical, and the damage to cars and property to worry about. If you get into a car accident, you might have a lot of questions. We’ve created this page to give you some general information if you happen to find yourself in an auto accident. This is all general information; each case is unique and poses its own scenario. If you do find yourself in a car accident, please contact Smith, Massey, Brodie & Guynn for more information.

What Should I Do Right After an Auto or Car Accident?

First, breathe. Take in your surroundings and make sure that no one is hurt. Your safety is of utmost importance. If you think anyone is hurt, call 911 and seek medical attention. Otherwise, call the police; they will able to take care of the accident scene and take down information. Do your best to collect your own information as well. Speak with the other person in the accident, ask for their information, and examine the accident scene. If possible, take photographs of any damages, skid marks, or obstructions that could have caused or added to the accident. These are important; pictures of your car can be used as evidence if the case goes to court.

What if the “other guy” refuses to provide information?

If the other person does not give you their information, that is okay. After calling the police, try to write down their license plate number. It is the police’s job to look for information after this point. Instead, focus on collecting information for yourself, including photos, how you feel, and other kinds of evidence like keeping a journal over the next few days.

Wait, I should keep a journal?

After a car accident, it is important to keep a journal. In it, you should record how you’re feeling, if you have any pain or bruising, and how frequently they occur. We recommend keeping a journal because human memory can be untrustworthy sometimes – especially under stress. This way, you’ll have a good record of how you felt in the days after an accident.

When Should I Speak With a Lawyer?

Calling a lawyer is always under your judgement, but sometimes it can be advantageous to consider seeking legal help. If you are injured, suspect that the other person may look for compensation, disagree who is at fault, or think that the other person is uninsured or underinsured, these could be good reasons to seek an attorney. If you have a question about a possible case, email us; we would be glad to hear from you.