Why You Should Hire an
Accident LawyerA good accident lawyer is skilled in creating and presenting car accident cases. They are not afraid to take the defendants all the way to the courtroom.
In the event of a medical emergency, seeking treatment right away after a crash helps establish a medical link between the crash and your injuries. This is important in building a claim for damages that include future and current costs.
Getting Started
It is normal to feel overwhelmed following an accident. It is possible to be responsible for expensive repairs to your vehicle, medical bills for your injuries, and even lose income since you're unable to work. You can recover the compensation that you need by hiring an attorney.
If you are searching for an attorney to represent you in your car accident case, it is crucial to choose an
attorney with years of experience handling these types of cases. Utilizing legal databases like Avvo or Martindale-Hubble can help you find the best attorney and review attorneys' professional background. You can find out how many car accident cases the attorney has handled and their success rate.
A good attorney will also have a thorough understanding of the insurance policies that are involved in car accidents and how they are applicable to various situations. They should be able explain the whole process to you and make sure you are aware of any deadlines or restrictions that apply to filing claims. They will also be competent to provide an idea of what your claim might be worth based on the nature of injuries that you suffered and the impact that they've affected your life.
In addition to offering you an understanding of the legal process A seasoned lawyer will be able to gather all of the necessary evidence for your case. They'll often go to the accident scene, speak with witnesses and capture photos to help determine the liability. They will also thoroughly review your insurance policy, including any special provisions such as uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage or collision coverage, to ensure that you are receiving the maximum amount possible from your claim.
A seasoned NYC car accident lawyer can calculate the maximum amount of damages you're entitled to based upon your specific injuries and losses. They will consider the financial costs of damages like medical and repair costs and non-economic damage such as pain and discomfort.
Documenting the Accident
Documentation is an essential element of any accident case. Photographs of the scene, witness statements or medical records that document injuries and ongoing medical treatment, the law relies on evidence that is hard to establish fault in cases. This is especially important in pursuing compensation from the at-fault side for damages like those that result from suffering and pain. Memories fade, and stories change over time, which is why documentation is essential to an equitable settlement.
Take pictures of the crash scene as soon as you are able to. This is especially useful when determining the cause of the accident. Things to look for are skid marks traffic signals, skid marks, car damage, weather conditions and the area of the crash.
Another document that can be very beneficial is video footage of the accident. This will help determine what actually transpired during the collision and reveal any possible hostilities between the two drivers. Ideally, it's best to interview witnesses while at the scene of the accident. This gives you and your lawyer a second set of ears and eyes to assist with the case. But, it's not always easy to do this, as people often don't stop when they see an accident take place. So, you may have to do some research and search for nearby homes and businesses where people who live or work there may have witnessed the accident.
It is a great idea to keep a diary of your experiences regarding your injuries and accident. This will help paint an image of the incident for your attorney and could even play a role in the decision of an insurance company to offer you a fair settlement or not.
You may also submit receipts from any expenses that were incurred as a result of the
accident law firms. This could include prescriptions and equipment (such such as crutches or canes) as well as transportation expenses for doctor's appointments. Keep all receipts because these expenses could be very high and you're entitled to full compensation.
Seeking Medical Attention
An accident in the car can cause pain, and, more significantly it could cause serious injuries to internal organs. It is crucial to seek medical attention away to make sure that your injuries are correctly diagnosed and treated. Also, seeking a doctor as soon as possible after your accident will help support your claim by establishing the link between the accident and your current condition. This is crucial to prove the causation of your accident which is essential to winning your case.
It is recommended to see a doctor even when your symptoms are not serious since often injuries aren't immediately visible after a crash. Our clients tell us that many of the most serious complaints started as minor niggles but grew over time into much more serious health issues. It is also important to document every accident you're experiencing and all the ways it has affected your life, as it can be used to calculate damages, including the future medical bills you expect to incur and lost income due to missing work, less earning potential, as well as pain and suffering.
In addition, it's vital to inform the insurance company of the incident and the other occupants of your vehicle about any medical treatment you receive because it could affect the amount you will ultimately receive from your insurance company. Some insurance policies also provide coverage for medical expenses which is the primary benefit of private health insurance, also known as medpay - so you are likely to want to learn more about your specific policy and whether or not this kind of coverage is provided.
It is advised to stay clear of making statements at the scene that can be misinterpreted and used against you. It is easy to let people in the midst of a moment to relax and make a statement that could later be twisted into an accusation that you're lying about your injuries or you are making up your injuries.
Contacting an Attorney
After a tiring, long day, you're standing at the red light when a driver is able to hit your car. Both of you get out of your cars to evaluate the damage. Both of you are not injured and your cars appear to be in good condition. You decide that you can make a claim through your insurance companies and save yourself the hassle of calling police or an attorney.
The problem with this approach is that it can be very difficult to receive the complete amount of the compensation due to you for your injuries and other crash-related losses. This is because car insurance companies are known for trying to minimize or deny claims from victims of accidents. This is done by examining the seriousness of the accident as well as your injuries, and reduce the settlement amount. A seasoned car accident lawyer is experienced in these strategies and is able to combat them.
An attorney will also have access to resources that you may not have access to like databases of traffic cameras in the area as well as contact information for witnesses and other forms of documentation. Attorneys will also be able to negotiate with the at-fault insurers or in the event of a need and necessary, bring them to court.
Your attorney can also visit the scene of your accident and collect any available evidence that can prove your the responsibility. They may also take photos themselves and also speak to other participants in the incident and witnesses.