Auto Accident FAQs

The number of accidents varies by year, but there are approximately five million motor-vehicle crashes each year. More than 30,000 of the accidents result in fatalities.

If the road conditions make it safe to do so: Exchange insurance information with the other drivers involved; call the police; take photos of the accident scene; get names and contact information of witnesses; document what happened by writing your thoughts in a notebook or on your phone; and seek medical attention.

Do not admit fault. Accidents can happen in a split second; even if you think you caused the accident, there might have been other factors involved that you are not aware of.

Many auto-accident injuries do not manifest themselves immediately. That’s why it is important for you and your passengers to seek medical care after an accident.

No. The insurance company does not represent your interests. The insurance company’s goal is to limit the amount of money they have to pay for an accident. That’s why it’s important to hire an experienced lawyer to protect your interests.

It’s possible, but most personal injury cases are settled before they go to trial.

Many of the causes are no surprise, such as distracted driving; drowsy driving; driving too fast for the conditions; and failure to obey signs, signals and laws. Other causes are not as obvious, such as a semitruck that hasn’t been maintained properly.