When Do I Need A Lawyer After A Car Accident?
When Do I Need a Lawyer After a Car Accident?
It’s not always necessary to hire a lawyer after a car accident. However, there are some situations where it is essential to do so, especially in a case where there has been a lot of property damage or serious injuries.
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1. See a Doctor as Soon As Possible:
One of the best ways to ensure that you receive the maximum amount of compensation for your injuries is to visit a doctor immediately after the accident. This is because many car accidents involve injuries that may not be observable for days or weeks after the crash. These include whiplash, spinal injuries, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), and broken bones.
A good medical professional will help you assess your injuries and develop a treatment plan to keep your injuries from getting worse. Your doctor can also help determine what caused your injuries, which can be an important part of the investigation.
2. Gather Evidence as Fast As Possible:
Often, insurance companies will try to talk accident victims into agreeing to settle their case early and at a low settlement amount. Unfortunately, this strategy can be extremely detrimental to your claim because it can significantly reduce the value of your case.
It is vital to obtain all of your medical records and bills, including any written analysis of your injury from a treating doctor or an “independent” medical expert. This documentation is crucial to proving the extent and duration of your injuries, which are the key elements of any car accident claim.
3. Prepare for Trial:
No matter how bad your injuries are, you should not accept a settlement offer that is less than what you deserve. Taking your case all the way to trial is an excellent strategy for increasing the value of your claim, as it shows that you are willing and ready to fight for full and fair compensation.
4. Preserve Evidence:
Even if the vehicles aren’t damaged too badly, it is still important to take photos of them and any other pieces of evidence you can find. This can include surveillance camera footage from businesses near the scene of the accident, if that’s relevant to your case.
- Contact an Attorney – After an accident, you will want to contact an experienced car accident lawyer to discuss your legal options. A good car accident attorney will know how to communicate with the other driver’s insurance company so that your case is treated properly by the insurance adjuster and you get the compensation that you deserve.
6. Gather Bills and Repair Estimates:
It’s also a good idea to gather all of your bills, medical bills, and estimates for repair work. This will help your attorney to determine how much the other driver’s insurance will be able to cover in terms of compensation for your loss and damages.
7. Make a Report:
The police should be called to the accident scene as soon as possible. They will do a thorough investigation into the accident and can issue a police report. This report will contain all of the information they have about the accident. It will include the names of everyone involved, including passengers and pedestrians, as well as any injuries or property damage.