Getting into a car accident is often a frightening and confusing experience. You've likely learned the general guidance after a collision like exchanging information, calling the police, and so on. However, what most people don't realize is calling an attorney after the fact may be vital to preventing wrongful blame, and clearing up what really happened. So, when should you call an attorney after being involved in a car collision?

Who's At Fault?

The first rule of thumb is a liability. After the crash and you've spoken to other drivers and filed a police report, is it clear who was at fault? Does the other driver disagree with you? Do the police believe your story? If the blame of who caused the accident isn't clear then it's time to call an attorney in order to have an expert nail down the facts and set the story straight.

Where Did it Happen?

Most of the time collisions occur on "normal" streets and highways. However, in rare circumstances crashes happen in more legally protected zones with different consequences depending on the state you live in. If the crash happened in a school zone, work zone (road construction), or another special zone with road markers then it's time to call an attorney. Although the accident may be minor, if you share even a small amount of the liability then you could be on the hook for additional charges since school, work, and other zones have special rules and laws established to protect children or construction workers.

Was Anyone Hurt?

If you or someone involved in the collision was injured or later claims to have been injured during the collision it will be vital to get an attorney involved as quickly as possible to avoid charges, lawsuits, and in the worst-case scenario, charges related to deaths during the accident. Every year nearly 30,000 people are involved in fatal car collisions. According to Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, in 2019 there were 33,244 fatal motor vehicle crashes in the United States of which 36,096 deaths occurred. In those cases, it's clear that getting an attorney involved as soon as possible is critical to making sure you don't get charged and the facts of the case are clearly established.

If you've been involved in a car collision that involved any of the three elements here then it's time to contact car accident lawyers. Call an attorney today to protect your future.