Attorneys Richard Schwartz and Patrick Wooten were interviewed for “On the Beat,” where they discussed what to do after a car accident, the importance of hiring an attorney, and other topics related to collisions and auto insurance.
To start, Attorneys Schwartz and Wooten discussed their tips for what to do immediately after a car accident. Attorney Schwartz advised that it is best not to move the vehicles unless they are endangering anyone by staying in the spot where they are stopped. Then, he gave his advice for beginning to build your case: Have a police officer file an accident report, and if you are able, take videos of witnesses discussing what they saw, and get their contact information. If you are unable to interview witnesses, the inspecting police officer can get their contact information. It is also important to take pictures and videos of the scene for evidence purposes.
The interviewer then asked why it is necessary to hire a lawyer after a car accident if you are already working with your insurance company. Attorney Wooten explained that lawyers have the expertise to handle the legal complexities of a collision, while accident victims are able to focus on their health. He also cited a study from the Insurance Research Council which demonstrated that people who hire a lawyer following an accident recover more compensation than those who do not.
Finally, they discussed what insurance actually covers after a collision. Attorney Schwartz outlined the four parts of an insurance policy: Comprehensive insurance coverage for property damage, liability coverage for when you are at fault, medical coverage, and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Each of these types of coverage are important, and it is crucial to be familiar with your policy so you know what benefits you can receive in the event of a car accident.
You can watch the interview on the Richard Schwartz & Associates Injury Lawyer, P.A. YouTube channel.
