A car accident can leave victims with injuries that affect their daily lives and finances. They may receive harassing phone calls from bill collectors, make up for lost wages, and deal with vehicle damage.
You need an experienced personal injury lawyer to obtain the compensation you deserve. This person can gather crucial evidence, negotiate with the insurance company and file your claim.
Gather Evidence
After a car accident, gathering evidence for your claim and looking for personal injury lawyer is crucial. This includes physical items, witnesses, and documentation.
The more evidence you have, the better your case will be. This can help you negotiate a fair settlement or win your case at trial as a plaintiff against the insurance company.
You need to gather this evidence as soon after the crash as possible. Over time, evidence can be lost or destroyed, which makes it harder to prove fault and get a fair settlement.
Take pictures of the accident scene, the vehicles involved, and the surrounding area. Photos can preserve the scene and provide essential support for your claims.
Also, request witnesses’ names, addresses, and phone numbers at the accident scene. If they are willing to talk, try to get statements that describe what they saw clearly and objectively.
Negotiate with the Insurance Company
After you file a claim with your insurance company, they will negotiate a settlement. These talks will determine the compensation you receive from your insurance company for your injuries.
Insurance companies are known to use various tactics in these negotiations. For example, they may try to offer you a lowball settlement soon after your accident so that you will accept it and avoid hiring a personal injury lawyer.
Regardless of the insurance company’s tactics, it would be best to go into settlement discussions with a calm, cool, and collected attitude. This will allow you to spot better and respond to their strategy and protect your interests throughout the negotiations.
Before you speak with an insurance claims adjuster, decide on a minimum settlement figure you are comfortable with. This figure is for your information and will help you remember your bottom line during negotiating.
Filing a Lawsuit
A car accident can cause you to incur significant damages. These may include medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
You could sue them for compensation if someone else’s negligence caused these losses. This decision is crucial; you should immediately discuss it with a personal injury lawyer.
Filing a lawsuit can be a long and complicated process. It can take months or even years before you reach trial.
Several things can affect the length of a car accident lawsuit, including the time each side has to work through pre-trial details and the insurers’ ability to fight your claims. A lawyer can help you get through the entire process quickly and efficiently.
Represent You in Court
After a car accident, you should only settle with an insurance company with the help of an attorney. These companies are not only out for their profit but also want to minimize your compensation.
While this can make the process difficult, an experienced personal injury lawyer will be able to streamline the settlement process for you and ensure that you get the money you deserve. They will also know how to present your case in court best.
In addition to obtaining financial damages, you may receive compensation for non-economic injuries, such as pain and suffering, mental anguish, disfigurement, and medical expenses. These are separate from economic damages, but your lawyer will be able to determine the value of these types of losses.