Car accidents can result in devastating injuries. A car accident attorney can help you recover fair compensation for the losses you suffered.
It is important to consult with a car accident lawyer before talking to an insurance company. This initial conversation is usually free. It is also an opportunity to determine if the attorney is the right fit for your case.
- Immediately After the Crash
In the immediate aftermath of a car accident, you should remain calm and call 911. Then, if possible, document the crash scene with your phone’s camera, video and voice memo features. Make sure to get the name, address and insurance policy information of everyone involved. You should also gather all evidence at the scene of the accident, such as photographs of injuries, damaged cars and other property, Luna explains.
Seek medical treatment as soon as possible—even if your injuries seem minor at first. This will help ensure that your condition improves and that you don’t develop complications later on. It also helps prevent insurance companies from using your lack of treatment to deny your claim.
Insurance companies may try to pressure you into accepting a low settlement that’s less than what you need to pay for your damages. A lawyer can help you resist these tactics and build a strong case from the beginning. He or she will also know about important deadlines that you must meet, such as “ante litem” requirements for government-insured motorist policies.
- After Filing a Claim
After you have filed a personal injury claim, it is time to consult a car accident attorney in Carrollton ga. A lawyer will know how to compile crucial evidence, prepare the demand letter, and negotiate with the insurance company to get a fair settlement for your crash.
You should also consult an attorney if you have been approached by the at-fault driver or vehicle owner’s insurance representative to give a statement about what happened. These companies don’t have your best interests in mind; they are concerned about saving money on their insurance rates and avoiding paying you a fair settlement.
A seasoned car accident attorney will be able to handle these types of situations as well as help you understand what damages you may be entitled to for your injuries, lost wages, medical expenses and property damage. In addition, your attorney will ensure you are meeting all of the legal deadlines in your case. Missing one of these deadlines can bar your right to sue in court.
- After a Denial
Car accidents can be terrifying, and coping with injuries and bills after a crash is often difficult. Trying to get back on your feet after a bad collision, especially one that was the fault of another driver, can be stressful enough without having to fight with insurance companies to recover compensation for your medical bills and other losses.
The best way to avoid being taken advantage of by an insurance company is to hire a seasoned car accident lawyer. Capable attorneys will never let an insurance company sway you by saying they “admit fault.” This bait-and-switch is used to trick injured victims into not talking to their lawyers.
Additionally, they will advise you to not give a recorded statement to the insurance company. It is generally against the law in most states, including New York, to give such a statement without the presence of your attorney. Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may also be able to file a civil lawsuit against a driver who caused the accident or their employer under a theory of vicarious liability.
- After a Settlement
If the at-fault driver’s insurance company tries to push you to accept an unfairly low settlement offer, then it may be time for legal assistance. Insurance providers are not looking out for your best interests; they only care about protecting their bottom line.
Having a lawyer can help you reach a fairer settlement offer, and it can also speed up the process. An attorney can review your medical bills, repair estimates, and other expenses to ensure that you receive full compensation for your injuries and losses.
Your lawyer can also explain how various forms of compensation are calculated in your case, including future medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. He or she can determine how long your injuries will last and how much you might need to spend on therapy, physical therapists, chiropractors, and doctors’ appointments. This information is important to present in your claim. Your lawyer will also make sure that all conversations with insurance representatives are recorded, and he or she can request that any settlement offers be presented in writing.