An Auto Accident Attorney Can Help You Build Your Case
If you've been injured in a car crash, you may be entitled to compensation. A skilled lawyer for auto accidents can help you create a case to maximize the money you receive.
If you are required to go to trial for a case pick an attorney who has years of experience. Insurance companies will agree to a fair settlement if they're confident that their lawyers have a good track record.
What to Do Following an Accident
The first thing to do after an accident is ensure you and any passengers are safe. The next step is to call 911 in order for police can arrive at the scene. This allows them to take pictures of the scene of the accident and record statements from the parties involved.
If you are able move your vehicle to the other side of the road to avoid any further damage. Turn on your warning lights and install flares or reflective emergency triangles to warn other drivers. You may want to move your car in case it is blocking traffic or is in the middle of an intersection.
Collect the names, phone numbers, and insurance details of all other individuals involved. This includes drivers as well as the owners of any other vehicles or items of property that were damaged in the collision. Get contact information for any witnesses as their testimony could be vital to your case.
Be careful when speaking to anyone on the scene of an incident, even if you don't have an attorney. This is because everything you say could be used against you in court later. Be cautious when speaking with the insurance company of the other driver prior to you engage an attorney. The insurance company might try to convince you that a lower sum is acceptable.
Gathering Information
Car accidents are traumatic experiences for victims. They could suffer serious injuries that require medical or rehabilitation treatments, and may result in the loss of income. They also face significant expenses due to property damage, including their cars.
A good attorney for car accidents will help you gather all the evidence to support your claims and losses. This includes medical records, police reports and other documentation of your losses. Your lawyer will also examine any evidence that is physical, like videos and photographs. This will strengthen your case when it comes time to start a lawsuit or appear in court.
Insurance companies aren't enthused to compensate for accidents and, therefore, they often look for any inconsistencies in your story or try to confuse you when you talk about your injuries. This is why you should always consult a lawyer prior to submitting an unwritten or recorded statement. Your attorney will deal with the insurance companies on behalf of you to ensure that you're not swindled or manipulated to accept a low-ball price.
In auto accident attorney reading to documenting your losses, an experienced car accident attorney will consider the ways in which the crash has affected your life and your ability to work. This can include current and future medical expenses, as well as psychological and emotional impacts like anxiety and post-traumatic stress. They will also investigate the various possible sources of compensation, including the driver responsible, the manufacturer of the defective product and government agencies such as the city of New York, or a state agency.
Looking for medical attention
Even if you don't think that your injuries are severe it is imperative to see a doctor visit a hospital as soon as possible. Quick medical evaluations will ensure that all of your injuries are treated and identified. They may also provide medical reports that are vital to your case.
Medical records are also vital in proving non-economic damages such as suffering and pain. However, obtaining copies of these documents can be difficult since hospitals and doctors usually have limited resources and don't take the initiative to send medical records to patients or their lawyers.
It is also important to not contact insurance companies unless you are required to provide basic information. Instead send all communications to your attorney. Our lawyers are available to answer your questions 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year.
How to File a Claim
Whether you are seeking compensation from the insurance company of an at-fault motorist or making a claim to make a negligent party responsible for your injuries, a NYC lawyer who handles car accidents can guide you through the claims process. These experts are skilled in dealing with insurance companies and are expert negotiators. They will fight to ensure you receive the highest amount of compensation that you can get for your losses.
Your lawyer will draft and file necessary paperwork, that is essential to the success of your claim. They will also make sure that you don't forget any crucial deadlines such as the statutes of limitations. An attorney can also help you avoid common mistakes that can hurt your case, for instance, providing information to the insurance company before hiring an attorney or placing too much blame on yourself when you make statements.
A skilled car accident lawyer will also assist you in pursuing damages that cover the full amount of your losses, which includes both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are those that have a dollar value such as medical bills or lost wages. Non-economic damages, like pain and suffering are more difficult to quantify, but could be just as crucial to your recovery as more tangible losses. This type of damage compensates you for the effect of the accident on your life. It could include the effects of the accident on your hobbies, family and your ability to work.