What To Do If You’re Injured In A Car Accident: A Guide To Hiring A Lawyer
Car accidents are the biggest fear of anyone on the road. They happen just about every day: thankfully, most of them are relatively minor. Even still, you may want to hire legal aid to assist you in the aftermath of the accident. Read on to learn more about how a car accident lawyer can help you determine if you are eligible for any compensation.
What To Do Immediately After A Car Accident
Before you call a lawyer, you’ll want to protect yourself in other ways first. Start by exchanging insurance information with the other driver(s). Be sure to take photos of all cars involved, particularly of the damaged areas. This will make it easier to process an insurance claim with results in your favor.
You’ll also want to get medically evaluated for any injuries. Keep in mind that some car accident injuries don’t show up right away. You may not feel the effects of whiplash, for example, for another few days after the incident. This can happen if you slammed on the brakes to stop short of hitting another vehicle.Even if you don’t “feel” hurt, it’s recommended to visit your local urgent care to make sure.
Why Hire A Car Accident Lawyer?
While you’re not required to hire a legal expert after an accident, many people find it beneficial. Depending on the severity of the accident, and what caused it, there is a chance you may be entitled to a personal injury lawsuit. You may also want the help of someone who is far more versed in the language of insurance claims because this can be a confusing process. Car accident lawyers can take on legal issues as you focus on your own physical and emotional recovery.
Accident lawyers can help you with the following steps:
Filing An Insurance Claim
In order to receive compensation (should your situation qualify, which a lawyer can help determine), you’ll need to file a claim with either your insurance company or that of the other driver involved. If the other driver doesn’t have insurance, you may still have a case for compensation due to physical injuries.
Filing A Lawsuit For Personal Injury
Not all insurance policies cover certain losses. If your lawyer determines that a settlement from your insurance company is inadequate to cover your medical expenses, you can file a personal injury lawsuit against any negligent drivers. This must be done within a certain amount of time: legally known as the “statute of limitations.”
Your lawyer will need to prove how the injuries sustained from the accident have affected you physically and economically, which means presenting an official medical diagnosis. You will also need to show proof that the negligence of the other driver(s) directly caused those injuries.
Proving Negligence
It’s a fact of life that accidents happen. Some, however, are directly caused by the negligent behavior of other drivers. If you were in an accident caused by another driver’s choice to drink, use drugs, or text while behind the wheel, these behaviors meet the legal definition of negligence. A car accident lawyer can investigate what caused the accident and prove fault to help you get the compensation you need to recover.
Find A Car Accident Lawyer Today
Finding legal aid on your own can be challenging. How can you know if a lawyer is trustworthy? Let Real Deal Attorneys help. Our service can help you find attorneys that have already been vetted for their professionalism and experience. Try our lawyer referral service today, or call (424) 367-1271 to learn more.