As the defendant, you can be held liable for the losses suffered by the plaintiff of the accident, which is why it is essential to get a lawyer to help you navigate the claim or lawsuit. Please continue reading to learn what to do as a personal injury defendant and the benefits of hiring an attorney. 

What to Do As a Personal Injury Defendant

If you think you caused a car accident, here is what you should do: 

Be Cooperative 

Leaving the scene when you are responsible for the accident could make things worse. Therefore, you should never flee the scene of the accident. Try to be cooperative with the law enforcement officers at the accident site. The police will most likely make an incident report. Make sure to exchange contact and insurance information with the police or other parties involved in the accident.   

Document the Scene 

It is crucial to document the scene and the damage resulting from the accident, including your injuries and vehicle damage. Ensure you take photos of the accident location from different angles. This documentation can assist your attorney in defending your case. 

Report the Accident to the Insurance Company 

Whether you have automobile insurance, health insurance, or both, you need to contact your insurance provider and inform them about the accident. Failing to notify the insurance company on time could result in the denial of your claim for injuries and property damage. 

Seek Medical Attention 

Your health should be a top priority after the accident, especially if you sustained serious injuries. Seek immediate medical attention for the treatment of your injuries. Getting medical attention can also help reinforce your case in court. 

Why Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer? 

You should also avoid discussing the accident with other people and posting about it on social media. The only person you should discuss the details of your accident with is your defense attorney. 

Pittsburgh car accident attorneys can evaluate the facts of your case to determine the best course of action. They can build a solid defense strategy for your case, minimizing the legal repercussions of being responsible for the accident.  Even if you believe you do not have enough money to compensate for the accident’s damages, the plaintiff’s attorney could use your assets or valuable personal property as collateral. An attorney can help minimize your payout. 

Discussing your case with a lawyer can help determine whether the other party shared fault in the accident. If the other party had some responsibility for the accident, it could significantly impact the outcome of your case. For example, some states follow the pure contributory negligence rule, in which a person who is just 1% at fault for the accident cannot receive any compensation. 

There is also a modified comparative negligence rule in some states in the U.S. that can prevent the plaintiff from recovering compensation if they share more than 50% fault in the accident. As a defendant, you might also be able to recover damages if you suffered losses from the accident through the pure comparative fault rule, which allows a person to seek compensation even if they are 99% at fault for the accident. Your lawyer can inform you about your legal options to protect your rights in the personal injury case.

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