Motor vehicle accidents are common and costly. In addition to suffering injuries and property damage, you may end up fighting with insurance companies to get the settlement you deserve. You have to begin protecting yourself immediately after a collision.
When you are involved in a motor vehicle accident, your first reaction is to see if everyone involved is okay. After that, you know to contact the police so you’ll get an accident report. Then you contact your insurance agent to start the claim process as well as any family members who need to know what happened. That’s a lot of people, but the process is necessary to protect everyone involved. Savvy motorists know that you need to contact one more person: a personal injury attorney.
While some motorists try to handle an accident on their own, doing so is a bad idea. If you are the victim of an accident, the legal implications can be complicated, so you need the help of a good lawyer to protect your interests. A personal injury lawyer can help your cause in the following four ways.
1- Determining Fault
You need to prove that the other driver was at fault to protect you from insurance problems and liability lawsuits. The police report is essential in this process, but you may need more proof, especially if the involved parties go to court. A personal injury lawyer can help collect more evidence. They may return to the accident scene to take more photos. They will collect all the accident reports and interview the police officers who were on the scene. They make sure nothing that will aid your cause is overlooked. A lawyer can help ensure that you do not take the blame when an accident is not your fault and support your claim when the other driver is.
2- Gathering Medical Records
After an accident, paramedics may look you over at the scene. You may also visit the emergency room for more treatment. Your medical care may not end there, though. You might need follow-up appointments with your GP and specialists, leaving a trail of medical documentation necessary to your claim. Keeping the paperwork straight can be overwhelming.
If you were injured, a good lawyer can help collect the necessary medical records to prove your financial damages. While you are entitled to these records, actually gathering them all can be difficult and time-consuming. Staffing issues and hospital red tape may slow down the process. A determined personal injury lawyer can overcome these problems for you and promptly get all the records necessary to support your claim.
3- Computing Damages
Most motorists do not understand how much they are due in damages. You know you deserve compensation, but aren’t clear on how much. An experienced lawyer can determine how much money is fair and necessary. Your initial medical bills are just the beginning. You may need extensive time off from work, ongoing physical therapy, and compensation for emotional distress. Your lawyer has experience in these areas and can fairly determine how much money you should receive. You can be certain that insurance companies will offer settlements that are on the low side, especially if you do not have someone fighting for you.
4- Negotiating with Insurance Companies and Other Lawyers
Insurance companies often make the process long and difficult. The other motorist may well be insured and get their own lawyer. Even if they are clearly at fault, their insurance company may balk at paying out a reasonable settlement. Also, they may hire their own lawyer to protect them from lawsuits. If you try to manage alone, you will likely receive less compensation than you deserve. Also, they may try to argue you are the at-fault party. These cases can be complicated. Finding an experienced personal injury lawyer can save you a lot of frustration while protecting you legally.
Protect Yourself
In the U.S. alone, thousands of car accidents take place each year. Many of these accidents lead to serious physical injuries or even death. Some of these injuries may not be immediately apparent but present weeks and months later. Without the protection of a good personal injury lawyer, you risk settling too soon for too little money.
In other cases, you will need protection from potential lawsuits stemming from a motor vehicle accident. In any case, finding legal representation after an accident is always the smart move.
Remember, insurance companies want to settle these accident claims for as little money as possible. Your own insurance company wants you to remain a satisfied customer but at little cost. A skilled lawyer will protect your interests and take care of many time-consuming tasks such as collecting medical records. A DIY approach toward car accidents seldom gets you the best results. Protect yourself – hire a personal injury lawyer after you are involved in an accident.
