Even if you receive minor injuries in a car accident, that does not mean, over time, your injuries will not turn into real problems. That is why it is beneficial to contact an attorney after a wreck to explore your options in this respect. If you file a personal injury claim, you are allowed, in most states, a two-year statute of limitations. That means you have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim for compensation. After that time, you are out of luck.
According to County LIne Chiro, a Miami car accident doctor, “all accidents are unique, just like all injuries. Talking to an attorney lets you know what your options are as well as what you may need to prepare for.”
According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, 6.75 million vehicle crashes happen annually. As a result, personal injury attorneys are kept constantly busy. They can provide the advice you need to manage your medical and insurance concerns after an accident. By talking to an attorney, you can experience the following benefits.
1. Dealing with an Insurance Claim – How a Lawyer Can Help
You need to remember one thing – an insurance company is in business to make money, so adjusters are well-versed in negotiating settlements. They become masterful, if not artful, in minimizing the amount of money owed by the insurance provider for an accident claim. In some cases, perfectly valid claims can be turned down.
Therefore, if you really have not dealt with an insurance company previously, you may be refused the money you’re owed. By contacting a lawyer, you can ensure your best interests are served in getting the compensation needed for the damages you’ve sustained.
In some instances, an insurance representative may try to coerce you into making a remark that may raise some doubt about your need for compensation. By using the services of a car accident lawyer, you’re much more likely to receive fairer treatment, as you have an experienced advocate on your side.
Why You Need to Speak to An Attorney
An accident lawyer can help you by doing the following:
1. Overseeing the details of the claim.
2. Helping with preparing an oral or written declaration that places you in a favorable light.
3. Supporting your interests and pursuing your legal rights with respect to compensation.
To receive the best outcome, you need to work with an experienced lawyer and negotiator – someone who is knowledgeable about PI law and understands some of the methods used by adjusters to reduce compensation. The attorney you use needs to possess case experience so he or she can use techniques that work toward an equitable settlement.
2. Demonstrating Liability
One of the most difficult aspects of a lawsuit is establishing the other party’s negligence when making injury claims. An attorney with extensive or specialized expertise in personal injury cases can be extremely helpful. He and his team will look through the evidence to determine what happened.
By reviewing the facts, they can find out ,exactly, who is responsible for your injuries. When all the details are known, an attorney can offer a compelling argument in your favor.
How Liability Can Be Shown
An experienced attorney will also know what evidence to extract to prove liability and settle a claim in your favor. They can help you by doing the following:
1. Consulting with healthcare providers to determine the severity of your injuries, both physically and mentally
2. Obtain a copy of the accident report
3. Reconstruct what occurred at the accident sit.
4. Get the medical records from all the healthcare professionals that took part in your treatment
5. Interview witnesses
6. Assist in defending any allegations of contributory negligence. Contributory negligence assumes you may be partially to blame for the wreck.
3. Revealing the Not-so-Obvious Injuries
Again, it is important not to procrastinate when it comes to getting legal help. An attorney can start an immediate investigation of your legal claim and help you get the medical treatment you need. It helps, too, not to dally, as you want to share your experience of the crash while it’s still fresh on your mind.
Also, keep in mind, some soft tissue injuries, such as whiplash, may not surface right away. Some of the symptoms may not appear until after several weeks. You should receive medical attention on the day of the accident or shortly thereafter, as doing so will help you in building a more solid claim.
4. Examining the Damage to Your Car
You may not experience symptoms right after an accident, nor may you realize your car was damaged more extensively than what you originally thought. Some vehicle damages that seem trivial may affect the structural integrity of your car. An attorney can assist you in getting an expert opinion from a reputable auto technician.
Final Thoughts
It helps to understand the legalities surrounding accident claims and personal injury law. Make sure you have someone in the wings who can serve as your defender and protect you from injustices when filing a car accident claim. Always contact a legal expert when you need to learn more about your standing, financially and medically, after a vehicle mishap.