The United States logs around 16,438 car accidents daily. This data is according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Authority. The figure translates to almost six million accidents. Over two million Americans suffer permanent injuries.
Are you involved in a car accident? You might want to file a personal injury claim as soon as possible. This will cover your medical costs, emotional and physical pain, and lost wages. This article will tell you why you need to hire a car accident attorney to help you file a personal injury claim. It will also tell you when to get an attorney for a car accident.
Hiring an Accident Lawyer: Is Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer Necessary?
Being involved in a car accident can be overwhelming, especially for the victim. That’s because you will be dealing with injuries, property damage, and financial repercussions. It is also hard to know where to start and what you need to deal with first.
If you’re involved in a car accident, you will have the need to hire a lawyer. A lawyer for a car accident can help you claim the compensation you deserve. These people are professionals with experience in dealing with the compensation claims process.
Here are some of the reasons that explain why you should hire a car accident lawyer:
Determine which compensation claim is available to you
Your lawyer can determine which car accident insurance claim you’re eligible to make. This claim offers you the greatest chance of success. Did you get injured in a car accident as a driver, passenger, or pedestrian? You may be eligible for the claim.
Navigate you through the claims process
What happens after a lawyer identifies the relevant compensation claim for you? They will be able to navigate the claim through the complex process. An attorney can help you identify and collect all relevant evidence and information. These are important for a successful claim.
The evidence they need includes the registration numbers of the car involved. Your lawyer also needs the other driver’s insurance details and witness statements. Other information they will need is the medical records and surveillance footage.
Moreover, your lawyer is aware of the strict time limits for making claims. They can assist you to make a claim as soon as possible. This is to secure your best chance at receiving compensation for your injuries.
Maximize the compensation you receive
You can only claim personal injury compensation for expenses like:
● Medical, rehabilitation, and hospital expenses. Also included are any potential future expenses.
● Loss of earnings. These include superannuation and future loss of earning capacity.
● Compensation for pain, suffering, and loss of life enjoyment. That is if the victim suffered a whole person impairment over the 10 percent threshold.
● Home modification and attendant care expenses.
Hiring an Accident Lawyer: When to Get an Attorney for a Car Accident
Car accidents usually involve serious or long-term injuries. Such cases usually need a lawyer if you want to get the most desirable outcome.
Keep in mind that it can be a risk to handle a car accident claim on your own. That is unless your injuries are very minor. Also if the other side is conceding fault. As such, you will need the expertise of a car accident attorney.
So, when should you hire a car accident lawyer? It is better to call an experienced attorney as soon as possible following your accident. This way, the lawyer can immediately collect the important evidence and witness accounts. This will also allow the lawyer to work fast to build a strong case for you.
This means that the sooner you call, the sooner you can get the compensation you deserve.
The following are the steps you should take after a car accident:
● Call 911
Make sure to call 911 and report your accident. This helps alert police and emergency medical teams to the scene of the accident. Keep in mind that your police and medical reports are invaluable. Especially when establishing fault and liability.
● Gather Evidence
It is easy to gather evidence now since people have smartphones. You can snap photos of license plates, eyewitness information, and vehicle damage. You can also take shots of traffic patterns, intersections, and other important information. These are vital as they can help your lawyer establish fault.
● Contact a Lawyer
Take note that insurance companies will always seek to lessen their liabilities. They will offer accident victims like you a low-ball settlement offer. This is often a fraction of what you need to recover from the accident.
You should contact an experienced car accident lawyer immediately. This way, you can start building your case. Keep in mind that contacting a lawyer is not the same thing as filing a lawsuit.
Here are some of the things you should not do after a car accident:
● Not Reporting Your Car Accident
It is tempting for people involved in road incidents to exchange info with the other driver and go on their way. Especially if they don’t believe they’re injured. But the thing is, some car accident injuries can take days and even weeks to become clear. As such, you should always report your accident. Make sure to get a police report.
● Admitting Blame
Keep in mind that they can use you saying “I’m sorry” to show that you admitted fault for the crash. Make sure you do not admit fault. Even if you believe that you have a part in the blame.
● Accepting Settlement
Remember that an insurance company will often use a “take it or leave it” approach. This is to pressure injured accident victims into accepting a settlement. This settlement is far below what you need to recover. You should not sign anything without first speaking with a lawyer.Are you searching for a “car accident lawyer near me?” Warner and Warner are the best lawyers for car accidents. Our car accident attorneys have the legal experience that can help get the justice you deserve. We can also help get full compensation for your injuries. You can send your queries to info@warnerandwarner.com. You can also reach us at (321) 972-1889 or drop us a line.