When to Hire An Attorney After A Car Accident
Every year, there are approximately six million car accidents happening on the roads of the United States. More than 42,000 of those are fatal and lead to the death of many people.
Car accidents put your life at risk. In addition to getting hurt, you’ll have to worry about the effects of the accident, such as vehicular damage, car insurance claims, medical bills, administrative, or even criminal cases.
Accomplishing all of the required processes after a car accident is a hassle. Sometimes, many people disregard hiring legal counsel for help and forget that a car accident also has legal implications for both parties involved. Therefore, if you have been recently involved in one, then you should consult a lawyer.
How Long Do You Have to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer After A Car Accident?
It is best to hire a Car Accident Lawyer as soon as you are able to because you can achieve a better outcome if you onboard them quickly. That is because of two factors: the degradation of evidence from the crash and the statute of limitation.
Gathering Evidence
Building a strong case depends on the quality of evidence presented by your lawyer. Proofs from a car accident have a “shelf-life” because your car has to be moved away from the road, and the memory of eyewitnesses soon becomes inaccurate. The sooner you hire a Car Accident Lawyer, the higher the chance that your lawyer will be able to retrieve quality evidence to build your case.
Statute of Limitations
Like evidence, legal actions also have a statute of limitations. In Florida, you will be only given a four-year window to bring forward your case. Furthermore, if anyone dies a wrongful death during the crash, the window shortens to two years.
Is It Worth Getting a Car Accident Lawyer if You’ve Been in an Accident?
As a victim of a car accident, you have the right to be fairly compensated for the damage done to your vehicle and yourself. On the other hand, car insurance companies also have the right to contest your claims, and they may adjust the money you will be paid if you do not have a sufficient legal basis.
If you get into an accident with another party, they may also file a case against you, and you will be forced to settle matters in court. Many car accident victims forego their rights and settle for far less compensation to avoid these lengthy processes. So having a car accident lawyer is worth every dollar you spend because they will help you get the legal basis you need for the compensation you deserve.
Car accident lawyers are adept at collecting and analyzing evidence such as:
- Images of accident site from security cameras
- Testimonies of witnesses
- Verified documents of the damage done to your vehicle
- Police reports
- Legal records such as your medical report, work behavior reports, your car manufacturer’s records, and even your mobile phone history
What Kind of Settlement Can a Car Accident Lawyer Get Me?
With the help of a car accident lawyer, you can get an estimated settlement of between $14,000 to $28,000 for a relatively minor accident. The amount would be based on the exact facts of the case, and you might be able to get a higher payment for more severe or permanent injuries caused by the crash. Moreover, you can also get a significantly higher payment if the other driver was proven to be driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.
Here is a list of the different factors that can affect the settlement amount:
- Future expected medical costs
- Lost wages
- Pain, suffering, and trauma
- Punitive damages
- Reduced earning capacity due to permanent disability
- Property damages repair cost
Keep in mind that even if you can get some of these from your insurance company, they do not represent you. In fact, they don’t even have your best interests in mind. But, a car accident lawyer does and they will guide you through the complicated legalities to ensure that you and your family will receive justice, fair compensation, and have a bright and sustainable future.
How Will My Car Accident Lawyer Prove the At-Fault Driver’s Liability?
Your car accident lawyer can prove that the other party or driver is responsible for your injuries and property damage by demonstrating the four legal elements of negligence.
Duty of Care
Motorists have a duty of care to the public and the other drivers who share the road with them. Their responsibility includes obeying the law, following the speed limits, and not driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.
Breach of Duty
A breach of duty can happen if the other driver drove while under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol, texting, or driving aggressively. Violating their duty of care means that they neglected the safety of the public and the other people on the road.
Causation
If their breach of duty caused an accident involving another person or driver, it makes them legally liable for the physical injuries and property damages.
Actual Damages
After establishing the defendant’s negligence, your car accident lawyer should prove that you sustained damages. Your attorney shall show proof of this by providing copies of your medical bills and other evidence to prove that you incurred lost wages, need to undergo future medical treatment, and have a reduced capacity to earn.
Warner & Warner Specialize in Car Accidents
Hire one of the best Car Accident Lawyers in Central Florida. Our team of experts at Warner & Warner specialize in representing individuals suffering from physical injuries or psychological injuries incurred from car accidents.
Our commitment to providing clients with excellent legal representation and counsel is evident in the number of cases we have handled with winning results. So if you have been recently in a car accident or you know someone who has, do not hesitate to contact us at 321-450-7928. To establish your trust with us, we will even review your case for free!