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Why the Pivtorak Law Firm

Because at the Pivtorak Law Firm we offer a unique combination of compassion, tenacious advocacy, and extensive knowledge of the law to help our clients receive the compensation they deserve. Whether you’ve been injured in a car accident or hurt by a business’s unscrupulous practices, our goal is to make sure that you achieve the results that you seek. Our services are aimed at helping people in the following areas:

• Car Accidents
• Bus Accidents
• Pedestrian Accidents
• Slip and Falls
• Dangerous/Defective products
• Wrongful Death
• Medical Malpractice
• Consumer Rights
• Lending Fraud
• Strategic Default

If You've Been In An Accident

Being in an auto collision can be a very traumatic event. The shock that often comes after the impact itself can easily leave people at a loss. However, even in a stressful situation such as this it is crucial to stay calm and collected. Most individuals don’t realize it but the most important things you can do to protect yourself happen during the moments immediately following the accident. Here is a list of some basic rules to follow:

1. Stop. If you have been involved in an automobile accident, you are required by law to stop. If you don’t, you may be charged with a hit and run. Leaving the scene of an accident can be a very serious charge, much more so than a ticket.

2. Assess the scene. If it is safe to do so, move your car to the shoulder, out of the way of traffic. Do not attempt to move someone who is seriously injured. If someone is seriously hurt, call an ambulance and allow the paramedics to handle the situation.

3. Call the Police. Dial 911 and inform them that there has been an accident. Also tell them if there are any injuries. If you believe the other driver may be under the influence of alcohol or drugs, inform the officers at the scene or the 911 operator.

4. Gather information. Information you should gather immediately following an automobile accident, if possible, includes the other driver’s name, address, phone number, date of birth, driver’s license number, insurance company name and policy number, car make, model, and license plate number.

5. Take pictures. Take as many pictures as you possibly can; of all the cars involved in the collision, the road, the traffic conditions, the position the cars were in when the accident occurred. Taking pictures is a vital part of scene re-creation that will help you prove your case further down the line. Plus, with the widespread availability of camera phones, there is no reason not to have all the evidence you need right in your pocket.

6. Speak to potential witnesses. If there are witnesses who saw how the accident occurred, take down their information and ask them to stay until the police arrive. If they are unable to wait, give the police the witnesses’ information.

7. DO NOT admit fault. Even if you believe the automobile accident is your fault, don’t volunteer to take the blame, agree to pay for damages, or sign any statement that assigns blame without being advised to do so by an experienced personal injury attorney. Many times an investigation will reveal that what you initially thought was your fault in fact turns out to be someone else’s.

8. DO NOT speak with the other driver’s insurance company. Although you should inform your own insurance company of the accident, you have no obligation to speak with the other driver’s insurer. You should also NEVER agree to give a recorded statement. If there is an adjuster for the other insurance company who attempts to assess the damage to your vehicle, do not speak with them about how the accident occurred.

9. Get a medical check-up. We recommend that you and your passengers get a medical check-up following an automobile accident. Some injuries are not immediately apparent, and a physical performed by your physician or other qualified medical professional can check for injuries that went unnoticed right after the accident. Because of the shock caused by a serious auto collision, many people do not begin to experience symptoms until later that day, or even several days or weeks afterwards.

10. Talk to an attorney first. Before speaking to an insurance company lawyer about how the automobile accident happened, make sure to first consult with a personal injury attorney about your case.