The Law Offices of Chaikin and Sherman, P.C.
Toll Free - 800.229.8384
Phone - 202.659.8600
Fax - 202.659.8680
Frequently Asked Auto Accident Questions
Washington, D.C., Maryland, & Virginia
- What should I do after an auto accident?
- Who determines who was at fault in my auto accident?
- Why do I need an auto accident lawyer?
- Will I need to go to court for my claim?
- What are the reasons for recovery from a car accident?
- How much does a consultation or evaluation cost?
What should I do after an auto accident?
If you are involved in a car accident, there are several important steps that you should take:
- Call the authorities - If there are any injuries, the paramedics should also be notified so that they can take care of any medical needs.
- Get as much applicable information from the driver and any occupants possible:
- Contact Information (Full Name, Address, Telephone Number, Date of Birth)
- Driver License Information (Number, Expiration date, Restrictions)
- Vehicle Information (Registered Owner, License Plate, Plate Expiration Date, Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), Year, Make, Model)
- Insurance Information (Company, Policy Number, Expiration Date)
- Identify and get names of any witnesses to the auto accident.
- If you have a camera, take as many pictures of the auto accident as possible from many different angles.
- When the authorities arrive at the scene of the car accident, get the names and badge numbers of any police officers. Ask them to write a statement about what they observed.
- Take notes about the scene of the auto accident, weather conditions, time of day, landmarks, and any objects involved.
- Contact the qualified auto accident lawyers at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. to get help submitting an insurance claim.
Who determines who was at fault in my auto accident?
In every auto accident, one driver is usually liable for the collision. Often it is obvious which driver is responsible. In other situations, the evidence must be carefully reviewed. The car accident lawyers at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. will review statements of the drivers as well as other witnesses that saw the accident. Other information is taken into account as well.
Each state has a set of rules that tell people how they are supposed to drive. The rules of the road are not just for drivers. They provide rules for bicyclists, pedestrians, and motorcyclists.
Another way to help determine which driver is liable is the police report. If the police came to the scene of the auto accident, it is their job to make a report of what they observe. Many times the officer will write down which driver they believe was at fault. It is important to get the police report for your auto accident to help your lawyer file your claim.
Why do I need an auto accident lawyer?
Many people choose to handle insurance claims themselves. This can be a tremendous task if you are not familiar with auto accidents. An experienced auto accident lawyer will inform you if there are different rules and procedures that are associated with filing an insurance claim in Washington, D.C., Maryland, or Virginia.
There are many guidelines that you are supposed to follow after an auto accident - not just with the other insurance company, but also with the state. Some states may require that you submit a record of the auto accident within a certain amount of time. Also, if you sustained personal injuries as a result of the auto accident, your medical history may need to be reviewed.
An experienced auto accident lawyer from Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. will get your claim noticed by the insurance company. They will save you the hassle of dealing with complicated legal procedures and medical records. Our auto accident lawyers will work on your claim for you, saving you time and energy.
Will I need to go to court for my claim?
If an experienced auto accident lawyer represents you, the insurance claim can often be settled outside of court without the need to file a lawsuit. If a settlement is reached, then the cost and time of having a trial can be avoided. In addition, when you have an experienced auto accident lawyer help you with your settlement, your overall recovery from the car accident is often greater.
What are the reasons for recovery from an auto accident?
If you are involved in an auto accident and have sustained personal injuries as a result of the accident, you are not only entitled to recover for the injuries that you received, but also many other things, including:
- Medical Expenses
- General Damages
- Household Services
- Lost Wages
- Future Medical Expenses
- Loss of Earning Capacity
- Disfigurement
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life
- Loss of Consortium of Child
- Loss of Consortium
- Loss of Society and Companionship
If you believe any of these apply to you as a result of your auto accident, contact an experience auto accident lawyer at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. for a consultation and evaluation of your case.
How much does a consultation or evaluation cost?
When you come to our Washington, D.C., Virginia or Maryland offices for an evaluation and consultation, you do not have to pay anything. Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. provides you with a free consultation and evaluation of your case.
The auto accident lawyers at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. work on a contingency basis, this means that they do not get paid unless you recover from your auto accident. Contact Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. in Washington DC, Virginia, or Maryland to schedule your free consultation and evaluation.
