Accidents leave behind confusion and frustration for the victims. The detrimental injuries and damage caused by accidents are serious, and victims often end up dealing with them as well as high medical bills themselves. The serious injuries make you unable to attend your work, and so you have to deal with lost wages, and then on top of that comes the medical bills that leave you in a financial crisis.
Moreover, the insurance companies will never have your best interest; they will try to pay you as little as possible, if not at all. Insurance companies will try to put all the blame on the victim and pressure them into settling too quickly and at a minimal compensation that will not be able to cover the cost of your injuries and damages.
This is the reason why you need an experienced and skilled Car Accident Attorney in Cumming, GA right after your car accident. Your lawyer will ensure that important evidence is collected and witness statements are taken to strengthen your case.
So instead of wasting time, you should quickly contact a lawyer to get the compensation you truly deserve. So if you are wondering when you should call a lawyer, then this guide is for you. But before we discuss that, let’s look at the things you should do after an accident.
Things to do and not to do after a car accident
Right after the accident, there is something that you need to do in order to get compensation for your injuries and other damages. It is also important to avoid certain mistakes following your car accident.
1) Do not avoid reporting the accident
Sometimes a car accident causes little damage and no immediate injuries, so you may think that it is better to just go on your way. But sometimes, accident injuries that are too serious do not appear immediately after the accident; they might take a few days to appear. So it’s always better to report the accident and follow the below steps.
2) Call the police
Immediately call the police and report the accident. This will ensure that the police, as well as medical teams, are quickly dispatched to your scene. The police report, as well as your medical document, will be beneficial in proving liabilities and the party at fault.
3) Do not admit fault
What you do and say after an accident can be used against you later on. So it’s best not to talk with anyone besides your lawyer. Moreover, never admit fault or take the blame for the accident even when you think that you were partly responsible.
4) Gather evidence
Even though the police are going to collect the evidence, it is also imperative that you do it yourself also. You should take pictures of the scene, cars, license plate, the damage caused, the road and surrounding areas, witness information, and other such information that could help your case.
5) Do not accept a settlement
Insurance companies will pressure victims into accepting settlements that are way below what they truly deserve. So never sign anything without consulting with an experienced lawyer first.
6) Call a lawyer
Insurance companies and parties at fault will try to pay you as little as possible. Following an accident, it is important that you get your rightful compensation as quickly as possible. So it is crucial that you contact an experienced and skilled car accident lawyer who will help you in strengthening your case and filing a claim.
When should you call a Lawyer?
Every case of a car accident is unique, so not everyone needs to seek a lawyer. But if you were involved in a serious and complex car accident, then it is crucial that you call a lawyer so that they can tend to your case. If the following points relate to your accident, then call a lawyer immediately.
Accidents that result in significant and serious injuries
Accidents involving other cars, cyclists, motorists, trucks, or a pedestrian
Accidents where the fault is not established
Accidents in a construction or school area
Accidents involving uninsured or underinsured drivers
Accidents in which insurance companies confuse you or pressurize you
Accidents where you do not agree with the police report
A minor accident that causes significant property damage
Accidents following significant lost wages
Accidents that cause injuries to you or another passenger in the vehicle
Accidents where there are problems with vehicle repairs and insurance
So in these scenarios, the sooner you contact an experienced lawyer, the better it is for your case. In some states, the statute of limitation is up to three years for filing injury claims. This period may appear like a lot of time, but important evidence, witness statements, and other such documents may get lost or destroyed over this time period.
This is why it is important to call a lawyer right away and file for compensation as soon as possible. You can get a free consultation to get your case reviewed and know about your options before you hire a lawyer for your case.
Since most car accident lawyers work on a contingency basis, you will only have to pay them once you settle the case or win your case. This is why, right after the accident, you do not have to worry about paying the lawyer and focus more on your injuries and your case.
It is important that you provide your car accident lawyer with important information, including your contact information, important facts about the case, police report, medical reports, witness statements, medical bills, financial bills, pictures of the accident scene, picture of the damages, and other such evidence. This will allow them to get a grasp of the case and use the evidence to build your case.
What will your lawyer do?
While it may appear easy to handle the events following your accident by yourself, but it is not the case. To avoid being taken advantage of by insurance companies and get the rightful compensation you deserve, it is best to hire a lawyer. Some of the things that your lawyer will do for you include:
1) Thoroughly investigate your case
Car accident lawyers are experienced in the field. They go on-site to gather evidence and get hold of documents that will make your case stronger. They talk with your healthcare experts and car repairers to determine the extent of your injuries and damage. They are professionals who use their resources like the forensic teams, accident recreation teams, other lawyers, and much more to determine the party at fault.
2) Negotiate with the insurance companies
Insurance companies do not play fair; they try to avoid having to pay you. They will try to take advantage of you. But they cannot take advantage of you if you have a lawyer by your side. Your lawyer knows the laws, and they will be able to handle the insurance companies and ensure that they pay what you deserve.
3) Ensure that deadlines are met
Deadlines are important when it comes to your case. Your lawyer will ensure that you do not miss out on any deadlines and ensure that your rights are protected.
4) File paperwork
If you are on your own, you will have a lot of difficulty in dealing with the paperwork for filing a claim and lawsuit. Your lawyer, on the other hand, will easily fill out the forms and do the paperwork on time to ensure that your case can proceed quickly. Proper filing of the necessary paperwork can save you a lot of time and ensure that you get the right compensation.
5) Ensure you receive the most compensation possible
You cannot get rightful compensation on your own. Lawyers know the law; they are experienced in creating a powerful case to show insurance companies and jury the amount of money you should get. They will fight for you so that you can get as much compensation as you can.
When should you file the claim?
When you consult with your lawyer, they will then start investigating your case and negotiate with the insurance company. A personal injury claim is filed that is between you and the insurance company of the party at fault.
To settle, your lawyer will negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf. But if the insurance company does not settle by either denying any fault or not agreeing to your injuries or damages, then you will need to file a lawsuit against the party at fault in order to get the compensation you deserve.
In Georgia, car accident victims have only a 2-year time limit in which they can file a claim. This time period may appear a lot, but it usually passes very quickly. If you have sustained severe injuries, then you will be busy with medical treatments and recovery. You may also be struggling to survive with the loss of work and salary. Moreover, during this time period, most of the important information may disappear or get destroyed. So consulting with an experienced car accident lawyer who can immediately start work on your case and file a claim is important for you and your case.
In conclusion
Car accidents are traumatic that leave you injured and frustrated. The damages and injuries you sustain in the accidents can easily affect your life and result in lost wages, pain, and suffering, and permanent disabilities or even the death of a loved one.
So when you are involved in an accident that leaves you with serious and severe injuries and property damage, then it is essential that you contact an experienced car accident lawyer who will fight on your behalf and ensure you get the compensation you deserve.