According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), every 10 seconds in the United States someone is involved in a motor vehicle accident.

No one can anticipate an auto accident , and there is no way to plan a response in advance to an unexpected situation. Insurance companies on the other hand, can and do plan their response to your injury long before it occurs and have little incentive to offer you fair and just compensation for what has happened to you. Therefore, it is essential that you contact an attorney to redress this balance of power. In fact, studies have shown that, on average, car accident victims who hired an attorney to represent them received three and a half times more compensation for their loss than they would have on their own (Insurance Research Council, 1999).

The Law Offices of Robert A. D'Iorio & Associates, PLLC does not represent insurance companies or corporations. The firm is dedicated to representing individuals and families who have suffered catastrophic losses as a result of injuries, disabilities and death. If you are involved in a serious accident it is essential that you consult with an attorney as soon as possible to protect your legal rights before talking with the other driver's insurance company. Do not settle for less than you deserve by signing the wrong papers.

Call us at 202.243.0581 or contact us online for a free consultation and evaluation of your case.

What to do in the event of an automobile accident
What Not To Do in the event of an automobile accident
Bring a claim

What to do in the event of an automobile accident:

Even a highly skilled defensive driver cannot avoid an accident caused by the negligent act of another. That's why everyone needs to be prepared to protect themselves should an accident occur.

1. Get the names, phone numbers, license plates and addresses of all parties involved in the accident and any eyewitnesses.
2. If symptoms are severe or last several hours, go to a doctor or the emergency room.
   • Report how the accident occurred and give a full and accurate account of all the symptoms.
3. Report the accident to your insurance company.
   • Obtain a copy of the accident report from the police, and check it for accuracy.
   • If the report is inaccurate, call the investigating officer to determine why the report contains inaccuracies. (You have the right to do this. Ask the officer to correct the report.)
4. If your injuries/symptoms are severe or persist more than a few days, consult an attorney.
   • Write down all questions you may have about the accident prior to the interview.
   • Learn all you can about your rights from your attorney.
   • Ask what fees and expenses you will be required to pay.
5. If you have no collision coverage, get a property damage estimate, and give it to your attorney or to the other driver's insurance company if you have no attorney.
   • Try to get the other drivers insurance company to repair the vehicle.
   • Try to get the other driver's insurer to pay for your medical bills.
6. Never sign any releases unless advised by your attorney until you are fully prepared to settle your case.
7. Keep a written daily diary of the aftermath of the accident.
   • List what lead to the accident
   • Results of the initial medical exams.
   • Follow your progress and the problems caused in everyday life by your injuries.
8. Obtain the following documentation for yourself and/or your attorney:
   • Copies of all statements given by witnesses to any aspect of the accident.
   • A copy of the accident report filed by the police.
   • All medical bills resulting from the accident.
   • A list of which bills have been paid and which have not.
   • Copies of all doctors' medical reports and dictations in your medical file.
   • Copies of all of the records of all hospitals treating you for the accident.
   • Copies of all radiology reports administered (x-rays, CT Scans, MRI's or Myelograms).
   • Copies of your wage records or income tax returns to show the impact of the accident on your income.
   • Any photograph or videotape of the injuries, accident scene, vehicles or any other aspect of the case.
   • Copies of your insurance policies.
   • Copies of your property damage estimates on your vehicle.

What Not To Do in the event of an automobile accident:

1. Don't discuss your case with any unnecessary parties.
   • Never give a statement to an insurance adjuster without consulting with an attorney
2. Don't sign releases or checks with release language printed on them.
3. Don't settle your case unless your symptoms are completely gone.
4. Don't settle your case unless you have spoken to an attorney and have had your rights explained to you and your questions answered.
5. Don't do anything just because they say you "have to."

Bring a claim

The Law Offices of Robert A. D'Iorio & Associates, PLLC will examine the facts, evaluate your claim, determine which parties or insurance companies are responsible, and organize all of the details of preparing and presenting your case.

Auto accident claims are comprised of three basic components:

1. Establishing liability - who caused the accident and who is legally responsible.
2. Establishing the amount of damages to which you may be legally entitled.
3. Determining from whom to collect the damages - insurance companies or individuals.

Our team of lawyers will help our clients establish the liability, evaluate and prove the damages, and collect the settlement or judgment. We handle all of the details and are prepared to help our clients get through the hardships and stress created by an auto accident.

For a free consultation and evaluation of your case, please contact us.