For legal help with physical injuries and mental anguish, you need an attorney you can trust to help you get the compensation you deserve. Darrell L. Burrow will provide you with the aggressive legal representation you need when you have been injured in an auto, motorcycle or tractor-trailer accident. We are here to answer any questions you have regarding any personal injury cases, including auto accidents and workers' compensation.
What should I do after an automobile accident?
- First and foremost, call 911. It is important to have the police and any medical personnel at the scene as soon as possible for immediate medical attention. Make sure an accident report is filed by the police when they arrive.
- Don't go anywhere; stay at the scene of the accident. Give and get assistance, if necessary, for injuries.
- Be safe and use caution when considering other motorists driving by. Use flares, hazard lights, or anything else to avoid making the situation worse.
- Swap information with the other drivers. Important information includes their name, contact information, driver's license number, vehicle description, license plate number and insurance information
- Collect as much information as you can about the accident. Include the location, time of day, weather conditions, traffic conditions, etc. If you have a camera handy, take pictures of the other vehicles, as well as tire marks on the pavement in relationship to the vehicles. This will come in handy when your attorney speaks to the insurance company -- and later on, if we need evidence for a court case. Also take photographs of injuries. Get statements from witnesses, along with names and contact information. As soon as you are able, write down exactly what happened. Many details will be forgotten in just a couple of days that can be critical in a court case later.
- Law enforcement cooperation is extremely important at the time of the accident. Do NOT make statements to anyone regarding your potential fault and do NOT sign anything without speaking to an attorney. Statements can be easily misinterpreted and used against you when the insurance company gets involved.
- Contact ONLY your OWN insurance company and our office as soon as possible.
What are the most common mistakes made after an accident?
- Giving statements to the insurance adjuster regarding how the accident happened
- Signing an authorization for release of medical records
- Waiting to get injuries treated after the accident
- Talking to your friends or neighbors about the accident and/or the injuries
- Not taking pictures of all of the damaged vehicles involved
- Not correcting any errors in the police report -- If something was misinterpreted, request it be changed.
- Not keeping all of your scheduled medical appointments or going back to work early
What are my rights as a client? You have the right to hire an attorney to represent you fairly, honestly and competently. However, you also have the right to make the decisions regarding your case. These decisions include accepting or rejecting offers or settlements and written fee agreements.
Do I need an attorney if I am receiving workers' compensation benefits? In order to be sure that you are fully aware of the rules, benefits and your rights under the law, you need the advice of an attorney. The legal process for workers' compensation claims can be complicated -- having an attorney assures you will understand what is happening, what can happen and what you should do to receive compensation. In most cases, workers' compensation only covers damages, such as medical care and support. However, if another party was at fault, you can be provided with more compensation.
What factors may lower the value of my claim? There are many things that factor into the value of your claim, including not wearing your seatbelt, vehicle issues ( ex. bald tires ), use of medications or illegal drugs, not wearing proper eyeglasses, traveling too fast for the weather or traffic conditions, talking on the phone, passengers, an existing injury, delaying treatment for injuries from the accident, and if the other driver had no injury.
This is not an exhaustive list, but it gives you an idea of some circumstances that can lower the value of your claim. We will have to go over your specific case to determine its value. Damage to your vehicle has no effect on the amount of injury claimed. Whether you have one or five of these factors, it is important to talk openly and honestly with an attorney so they can properly advise you of your rights and protect your interests.
Call Darrell L. Burrow, Attorney at Law today at (404) 559-1121 to schedule a free initial consultation.If you have any other questions or comments, please contact us.
