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You or your loved ones might have been involved in a car accident and in most cases you don't actually know what to do and where to go from there.
That's why in todays article, we'll be discussing on the advantages and reasons why you need a lawyer for your car accident events and occurrences.
What to Do After a Car Accident
The moments after an accident can be stressful and chaotic. It's easy to forget important steps, so try to stay calm and follow these guidelines:
1. Ensure everyone's safety. Check on all parties involved and call 911 right away if anyone's injured. Your health and safety are top priorities.2. Call the police. Even for minor fender benders, you'll want an official police report for insurance claims. The officers can also direct traffic and ensure the vehicles are moved to a safe spot.
4. Get witness information. Witness accounts of what happened can be crucial for determining fault. Politely ask any witnesses for their name and contact details.
5. Contact your insurance provider. Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. They'll walk you through the claims process and send an adjuster to assess the damage. The sooner you report, the sooner you'll get your vehicle repaired or replaced.
6. See a doctor if needed. Even if you feel fine after an accident, you may have internal injuries that haven't surfaced yet. Get checked out by a doctor, especially if the accident was at high speeds. Your health and safety should be your top priority.
Staying calm and following these steps will ensure you handle the aftermath of an accident properly. Take care of yourself and your passengers, get the necessary information, contact the authorities and your insurance company, and see a doctor right away if you experience pain or discomfort.
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Why Do i Need a Car Accident Lawyer?
Here are some of the situations and reasons why you need a lawyer when engaged in a car accident.
1. Severe or Complex Injuries
If you suffered severe or complex injuries in the accident, an attorney can help ensure you get properly compensated.
2. Disputes with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies are in the business of making a profit, so they will often dispute or deny claims to avoid paying out money whenever possible.
A car accident lawyer has experience dealing with insurance companies and won’t be intimidated by their tactics. They can stand up for your rights and fight to get your claim approved and settled for a fair amount.
3. Complex Legal Issues
If there are complex legal issues involved with your accident like product liability, uninsured motorists, or disputes over who's at fault, you'll definitely want an attorney to represent you.
4. Peace of Mind
Hiring an auto accident attorney can also give you peace of mind that your legal and financial interests are being properly protected.
They handle all communication with insurance companies and other parties involved, paperwork, deadlines, and details so you can focus on recovering from your injuries.
How a Car Accident Lawyer Can Help With Your Insurance Claim
A car accident lawyer can be extremely helpful when dealing with insurance companies after an accident. They are experienced in handling insurance claims and know how to get you the maximum settlement.
When you've been in a car accident, the other driver's insurance company may contact you quickly. They will try to get you to settle for a low amount before you've even had time to process what happened.
An accident attorney will deal with the insurance company on your behalf so you can focus on recovering. They will negotiate the best possible settlement for your claim.
A car accident lawyer can determine the true value of your claim. They will consider factors like:
Medical bills and future treatment costs
Lost wages from time off work
Pain and suffering
Damage to your vehicle
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Questions to Ask When Hiring a Car Accident Attorney
Here are some important questions to ask any car accident lawyer you're considering hiring:
1. Do you have experience handling car accident cases and insurance claims?
You'll want an attorney well-versed in this area of law. Ask about their success rate in past cases and if they have experience with accidents similar to yours.
2. Will you be directly involved in my case?
Some law firms assign cases to less experienced attorneys. Make sure the lawyer you interview will be actively and directly working on your case.
3. What is your fee structure?
Most car accident attorneys work on contingency, meaning they only get paid if you win a settlement. Typically the fee is 33% of your settlement. Ask if initial consultations are free and get specifics on rates and billing practices.
4. Will you go to trial if needed?
While most car accident cases settle out of court, you'll want a lawyer willing to take your case to trial to get you the best possible outcome. Ask if they have experience litigating accident claims in court.
5. How long do you expect the case to take?
The time frame can vary significantly based on the specifics of your accident and injuries. Ask for an honest assessment of how long the process may take so you can plan accordingly.
6. How will you communicate updates?
Establish upfront how the attorney and staff will keep you up to date on your claim status. Will it be via phone, email, or scheduled meetings? Ask how often you can expect updates.
7. Can you provide references from past clients?
Speaking with former clients is one of the best ways to evaluate an attorney. Ask if they can provide references from clients with similar cases.
FAQs About Car Accident Insurance Claim
Here are some of the most common FAQs regarding car accident insurance claims:
1. How long do I have to file an insurance claim after an accident?
In most states, you have 2-3 years to file a claim, but it’s best to report the accident to your insurance provider as soon as possible. The quicker you report the accident, the fresher the details will be in your mind and the simpler it will be to collect necessary evidence like witness statements or police reports.
2. Should I get a copy of the police report?
Absolutely. The police report contains important details about the accident that will help support your insurance claim. Be sure to get the report number and request a copy from the police department to provide to your insurance company.
3. Do I need to contact the other driver’s insurance company?
You are not required to report the accident to the other driver’s insurance company, but doing so may help speed up the claims process. Provide the basic details of the accident and get the claim number for your records. Your own insurance provider will liaise with the other company if needed.
4. How are claims for injuries handled?
If you or your passengers suffered any injuries in the accident, see a doctor right away. Provide any medical reports, bills, and records to your insurance company to support an injury claim. They will determine coverage and handle negotiations with the other driver’s insurance provider. Seeking legal counsel from a car accident lawyer may help maximize your settlement.
5. Will my insurance rates increase after filing a claim?
Filing an insurance claim for an accident where you were not at fault should not increase your premiums. However, if you were partially or fully liable for the accident, your rates may increase at your next renewal. The amount will depend on the severity of the claim and your insurance provider’s underwriting policies.
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