Eighteen questions to help you know what to do after a car accident.

Questions

1. What should I do in the event of an auto accident?
2. What compensation may be needed after an auto accident?
3. What sources of compensation can be pursued after an auto accident?
4. What is the difference between "no-fault" and "at-fault"?
5. What is negligence?
6. What are "comparative negligence," "proximate cause," and "intervening causes"?
7. Should I contest an accident-related traffic citation?
8. What should I know about auto insurance?
9. If I'm involved in an accident, do I have to tell the insurance company about it right away or can I try to handle it on my own?
10. If I am sued, will my insurance company defend me in court?
11. What if I witness an accident?
12. I loaned my car to a friend who was involved in an accident. Am I liable if my friend was at fault?
13. Can a passenger in the car recover for injuries caused by the operator?
14. Whom do I contact after an auto accident?
15. What is uninsured and under-insured motorist coverage? What is the purpose for having uninsured motorist or under-insured motorist benefits?
16. How do insurance adjusters operate?
17. Suppose the accident is "all my fault" in a no-fault state. What is my liability for damage and injury to people involved in the accident?
18. If I own an automobile, am I required to buy auto insurance?

This is NOT legal advice, only legal information. Legal advice applies directly to each individual's circumstances and an attorney should be consulted for such specific advice. We try to provide accurate information, but laws are constantly changing and vary from state to state so we make no claims that this information is complete or applicable to anyone's specific situation.

Sources

• http://www.findlaw.com
• http://www.nolo.com
• http://www.nysba.org/index.shtml
• http://www.calbar.org/

Rachel Aderman is an attorney in St. Paul, Minnesota