LAW BLOG

Courtney Cotter Courtney Cotter

What To Do and What Not To Do After an Auto Accident

Imagine it is a Friday night, you are out of work for the day, just picked up your children from daycare, excited to finally relax when you are hit by another vehicle. This can be extremely stressful for most people - let alone a parent with children in the car.

Unfortunately, this exact situation could happen to you as over 6 million automobile accidents happen every year. As such it is important to know what you should do following an accident as well as things that you should not do.

What To Do Immediately Following An Accident

  • Call the Police 🚓

  • Take Photos of All Vehicles Involved 📸

  • Obtain Witness Information 📝

  • Seek Medical Attention 🚑

  • Call an Attorney 👩🏼‍⚖️

What NOT To Do Immediately Following An Accident:

  • Not Calling the Police but Exchanging Auto Insurance Information Instead 🚫

  • Not Seeking Medical Treatment 🚫

  • Calling the Insurance Company and Providing a Recorded Statement 🚫

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Semi Truck Accidents and the Dangers of Large Vehicles

Have you ever had a close call with a semi truck? You most likely are not alone.

People are injured in truck accidents on a daily basis throughout the country. In 2019, over 180,000 people were injured in auto accidents involving a tractor-trailer truck. From 2000 through 2020, the rate of injuries from trucking accidents stayed relatively the same, according to data from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. This suggests that roadway safety, specifically related to tractor trailers, is not improving.

Most Common Causes of Semi Truck Accidents

🚛 Drowsy Driving

🚛 Distracted Driving

🚛 Improper Driving

🚛 Cargo Loads Not Properly Being Loaded

🚛 Failure to Maintain Equipment

Hiring an attorney can ensure you receive the full and fair compensation you deserve. Cotter Law is here for you if you want a personal injury attorney specializing in truck accidents.

At Cotter Law it is our priority to take on the fight with the insurance company while you focus on recovering from your motorcycle accident. Contact Cotter Law today to schedule your FREE consultation at (865) 888-7155 or attorney@cotter-law.com to speak with an experienced attorney.  

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How Hiring an Attorney to Represent You for a Car Accident Claim Can Ensure You Are Protected and Receive Adequate Compensation

Deciding on whether or not to hire an attorney to represent you for a motor vehicle accident claim/case can be stressful. Ultimately, hiring an attorney can ensure that you receive full and fair compensation for the injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident and that you are protected. One way hiring an attorney can be beneficial is if you need medical treatment but you do not have health insurance or you cannot afford treatment for your injuries. Another way hiring an attorney can be beneficial is when it comes to dealing with your health insurance company and its subrogation interest. An attorney can also negotiate with the medical providers on your behalf to lower any outstanding bills.

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Motorcycles, Thrilling but Dangerous: How to Prevail Against the Insurance Companies

Riding a motorcycle can be a thrilling yet life altering experience. Motorcyclists have a much higher chance of sustaining serious and disabling injuries compared to automobile accidents because unlike with an automobile, motorcyclists have little protection from the elements

Motorcycle riders face unique challenges when pursuing an injury claim. They are likely to be more severely injured than a car accident victim and they are less likely to be treated fairly.

The insurance company, specifically the adjuster handling your claim, is going to do everything in his/her power to make sure you get the least amount of compensation if he/she offers anything at all.

Hiring an attorney can ensure you receive the full and fair compensation you deserve. At Cotter Law it is our priority to take on the fight with the insurance company while you focus on recovering from your motorcycle accident.

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Pedestrian Personal Injury? Navigating Pedestrian Accident Claims

You are anxiously waiting to cross the street. The signal turns from stop to walk, you proceed through the crosswalk when you are struck by a motor vehicle - this could be a life or death situation. The insurance company, specifically the adjuster handling your claim, is going to do everything in his/her power to make sure you get the least amount of compensation if he/she offers anything at all.

Hiring an attorney can ensure you receive the full and fair compensation you deserve. At Cotter Law it is our priority to take on the fight with the insurance company while you focus on recovering from your auto accident.

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Two Wheels, Unlimited Problems: What to Know About Bicycle v. Motor Vehicle Accidents and Injuries

Research shows that the number of bicyclists in the United States has grown from approximately 43 million in 2015 to approximately 52 million in 2022. With an increased number of bicyclists on the roadway comes an increased risk of injury as a result of a motor vehicle accident. Have you or a loved one been injured in a bicycle accident? If so, you will want to make sure you are protected. At Cotter Law it is our priority to take on the fight with the insurance company while you focus on recovering from your auto accident.

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Power of Attorney: Why it is Important to Have a Power of Attorney Especially During a Pandemic?

It is important to not only consider your wishes upon death, but also consider your wishes in the event that you become unable to make decision for yourself while living. For example: if you were in an automobile accident and you are now in a coma (therefore incapacitated) you will need to ensure you have someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf, whether that be financially or medically.

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Legal Self-Representation: Do I Really Need To Hire A Lawyer?

Not every legal matter will require you to hire an attorney. The truth is hiring a lawyer can prevent common mistakes that can occur in self-representation. You could be a well-educated individual and still need to hire an attorney. In fact, most attorneys often hire another attorney to represent him/her in a legal matter.

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Two Common Mistakes I See in Personal Injury Cases

In this video Attorney Courtney Cotter will go over some common mistakes she sees in her personal injury cases. The video mainly describes auto accident claims; however, this information extends to slip and fall cases. Give us a call at 865-888-7155 or via email at attorney@cotter-law.com to schedule a free consultation.

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Hit and Run: Filing a Claim With Your Auto Insurance Company

Have you been the victim of a hit and run or were you hit by an uninsured driver on the roadway? Did you know you could receive compensation under the uninsured motorist coverage in your auto insurance policy? UM covers expense relating to the injuries, repairs to your vehicle, and lost wages. Call Cotter Law to schedule a FREE consultation at (865) 888-7155 to speak with an experienced attorney.

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