The Washington, D.C. car accident lawyers with Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. have a proven track record of success in helping clients obtain the maximum compensation possible for injuries they have suffered due to the negligence of others.
Our firm has consistently demonstrated we have the expertise needed to help our clients see that justice is served. We have the resources needed to conduct thorough investigations of all the circumstances contributing to a motor vehicle accident, gathering the evidence to establish negligence and other types of liability.
Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident is never easy. However, there are steps you can take to make it easier. By following the steps below, you can ensure that you get the compensation you deserve. If you have been in an accident, contact a car accident lawyer at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. today for a free consultation. We can help you through this difficult time.
Check For Injuries
The first thing that you need to do after an automobile accident is to check for injuries. If you or anyone else has been injured, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Even if the injuries seem minor, it is always best to visit a doctor. Many injuries, such as whiplash, can take days or even weeks to show up.
Move to a Safe Place
Once you have checked for injuries, the next step is to move to a safe place. If you’re in a minor fender bender or rear-end crash, you may be able to move your car safely to the side of the road. However, if you’re in a more serious accident, it’s best to leave your car where it is and wait for help to arrive.
Call the Police
The next step is to call the police. The police will create an accident report, which can be helpful if you need to file an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit. The report will also document what happened, which can be helpful if there are any questions about who is at fault for the accident.
Exchange Information With The Other Driver
You will need to exchange information with the other driver. You will need to get their full name and contact information, insurance company and policy number, driver’s license, and license plate number. Taking pictures of the other driver’s insurance card and license is also a good idea. You should also collect their insurance information if other drivers are involved in the accident.
Document The Accident Scene
It is also a good idea to document the scene of the accident. This can be done by taking pictures of the damage to your car, other vehicles involved in the accident, and the accident scene. You should also take pictures of any injuries that you or the other passengers have. You’ll also want to ensure you note the police report number and the responding officer’s name.
Get The Contact Information Of Witnesses
You should get their contact information if there are any witnesses to the accident. The witness statements can be helpful if there are any questions about what happened.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer
Dealing with the aftermath of an accident is something that no one should have to deal with on their own. The best way to ensure that you get the compensation you deserve is to contact a car accident lawyer. A lawyer will be able to help you navigate the legal system and get the compensation that you deserve.
Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. has obtained more than $500 million in verdicts and settlements, and our attorneys have more than a century of combined legal experience. Two of our partners are certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. Our firm has also earned the highest AV® Rating from Martindale-Hubbell®, one of the most respected attorney-ranking service organizations in the United States. Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. attorneys work passionately on behalf of our clients to help them secure fair compensation – there is no type of case that is too complex for us to litigate.
Contact the Insurance Company
The next step is to contact your insurance company. You will need to file a claim and provide them with all the documentation you have collected. It is important to keep in mind that the insurance company is not on your side. They may try to lowball you or deny your claim altogether.
What to Expect After an Accident in Washington, D.C.
After the accident, you may be feeling a lot of different emotions. You may be feeling scared, confused, or even angry. It is important to remember that you are not alone. Many people have gone through what you are going through.
The most important thing to do after an accident is to seek medical attention if you or anyone else has been injured. Once you have done that, you can start to deal with the other aftermath of the accident. This includes starting the claims process, repairing your car, and taking care of any legal matters. Dealing with an accident is never easy, but it is important to remember that you are not alone. Many people can help you through this difficult time.
Determining Fault for the Accident
After an accident, one of the first things that must be determined is who was at fault. This can be complicated, and it will likely require an investigation. The police report can help determine fault. However, there may also need to be witness statements or other evidence collected. Once fault has been determined, it will be easier to move forward with repairs, insurance claims, and any legal action.
Filing a Car Insurance Claim
You can file an insurance claim through your own insurance company or the other driver’s insurance company. If you were in an accident with a driver that doesn’t have insurance or doesn’t have enough insurance, you would need to file a claim through your uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage.
If you are filing a claim with your insurance provider or the other drivers, it is important to remember that they are not on your side. The insurance adjuster will ask you questions about the accident and try to get you to settle for less than you deserve.
Damages You Can Recover in Your Claim
The amount of money you can recover in your claim will depend on the accident’s severity. You may be able to recover damages for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If the accident was not your fault, you might also be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against the other driver.
Here is a small sample of some of our successful verdicts and settlements:
- $6 million for a client who suffered a brain injury after being involved in a rear-end collision.
- $4.8 million for a severely injured client after another vehicle struck his motorcycle.
- $1.9 million for a client who suffered a permanent back injury due to a car accident.
- $1.5 million for a client who had to undergo multiple surgeries after a negligent motorist cut off his motorcycle.
- A $1 million settlement was obtained on behalf of our 19-year-old client who was a passenger in a car in which the driver lost control, causing a collision. As a result, our client suffered extensive brain damage with cognitive impairment. He was in a coma for an extended period of time. Although he has regained consciousness, he is unable to care for himself. The law firm asked the Court to appoint him a guardian to care for him. The law firm is helping to establish a special needs trust so that the proceeds from the settlement will be protected against any medical liens.
- $1 million settlement on behalf of a client who suffered a brain injury when the driver of the car in which he was a passenger lost control of his vehicle.
See additional examples of our case victories and settlements on our “Case Results” page.
Contact an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer in Washington, D.C.
If you are looking for the highest level of representation available for your personal injury case, turn to Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. Our firm has helped clients recover more than $500 million in compensation, and we have more than 100 years of combined experience. All of our partners are recognized by Washington, D.C. Super Lawyers®, and our firm includes three past presidents of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C.
We work to help our clients obtain fair settlement offers to compensate them for the injuries they’ve suffered, but our attorneys are extremely well-equipped to go to trial if needed. Call (202) 659-8600 or contact us online to get the proven legal representation you deserve.