15 Things You Don t Know About Auto Accident Settlement
An Auto Accident Attorney Can Help You Build Your Case
If you have been injured in a car crash, you may be entitled compensation. An experienced attorney for auto accidents can assist you in building your case to maximize the amount you receive.
If you are required to go to trial for a case select an attorney who has years of experience. Insurance firms are more likely to offer fair settlements if they know their lawyers have an established track record of success.
What You Should Do Following an Accident
Obviously, the first thing to do following a crash is make sure you and any passengers are OK. Next, it's important to call 911 so the police are able to arrive at the scene. This gives them the chance to record statements from all parties who were involved in the crash and take photos of the accident scene before any evidence is moved or destroyed.
It's also crucial to move your car over to the other side of the road if it is able to be done without causing further damage. Make sure you turn on your hazard lights and set up flares or reflective emergency triangles to alert other drivers. It's also possible to move your vehicle if it's in middle of a busy intersection or blocking traffic.
Collect the names, phone numbers, as well as insurance information of anyone else involved. This includes the drivers of other vehicles as well as property damaged by the crash, as well the owners of those vehicles. Get contact info for any witnesses as well as their testimony could be crucial to your case.
If you don't have a lawyer it is important to be aware when talking to anyone who is at the scene of an accident. It's because anything you say could be used against you in court later. If you talk to the insurance company of the other driver before hiring a lawyer, be cautious regarding what you say because the insurer could try to convince you to settle for an amount that is low.
Gathering Information
Car accidents can be very traumatic for the victims. They could suffer serious injuries that require medical and rehabilitative treatments, and may result in the loss of income. They also face significant expenses related to property damage, including their vehicles.
A reputable attorney for auto accidents will help you gather all the evidence to support your claim and losses. This will include medical records, police reports and other evidence of your losses. Your lawyer will also go over any physical evidence such as photos and videos. This will strengthen your case when it is time to submit a claim or to go to trial.
Insurance companies do not want to take on the risk of covering losses incurred by accidents. They will therefore search for inconsistencies and try to confuse you when discussing your injuries. You should always consult an attorney prior giving an oral or written statement. Your lawyer will deal with the insurance companies on behalf of you, so that you are not deceived or manipulated to accept a low-ball offer.
In addition to logging your losses, a seasoned lawyer for car accidents will also consider how the accident has affected your life and your ability to work. This may include current and future medical expenses and emotional impacts such as anxiety or post-traumatic stress. They will also investigate the various possible sources of compensation, including the person responsible as well as the manufacturer of the defective product and government agencies such as the city of New York, or a state agency.
In need of medical attention
Even if that your injuries are severe it is imperative to see a physician or visit the hospital as quickly as you can. Prompt medical evaluations can ensure that all injuries are treated and identified. They can also produce medical reports that are critical to your case.
Medical records are also vital for proving non-economic damages, such as suffering and pain. However, obtaining copies of these documents can be a challenge since doctors and hospitals usually have limited resources and don't make it a priority to send medical records to patients or their lawyers.
Additionally, it is important to avoid speaking with insurance companies, except for providing basic information and sending all communications to your attorney. Our lawyers are on hand to answer your questions 24 hours a days, 7 days a week and 365 days of the year.
Making a Claim
A NYC car accident lawyer can help you navigate the claims process, whether or not you are pursuing compensation from the insurer of the party responsible for the accident or filing a suit to ensure that the negligent party is held accountable for your injuries. These experts have extensive experience dealing the insurance companies and are expert negotiators. They will fight to get you the maximum amount of compensation for your losses.
Your lawyer will create all necessary paperwork and file it, which is crucial to the success of your claim. They will also ensure that you don't violate any important deadlines such as the statutes of limitations. A lawyer can assist you to avoid mistakes that could hurt your case. For instance, not disclosing details to an insurance company prior hiring a lawyer or putting too much blame on your own shoulders in your declarations.
An experienced car accident lawyer can help you seek damages that cover the full amount of your losses, which includes both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are those with an estimated value, such as medical bills or lost wages. Non-economic damage like discomfort and pain are more difficult to quantify, yet can be as significant in your recovery as measurable losses. This type of injury compensates you for the effect of the accident on your life. It could be the impact of the accident your family, hobbies, and your ability to work.