UPDATED 1/18/21
After a car wreck, there are many things that need to be done in terms of communications and personal documentation. In serious cases that involve casualties or heavy property damage, it is also wise to seek the services of an auto accident lawyer.
After an auto accident understanding the claims process can be confusing to those who lack legal training. Attorneys who handle car accidents understand both the process and the laws in the states in which they practice. Such an understanding is important if a case is to be successful. After an auto accident, attorneys can help the victims with such mundane issues as the completion of needed paperwork and can provide advice on more complex legal issues, such as the statute of limitations.
Lawyers will advise clients as to whether their cases are valid in the first place and, if so, will serve as advocates throughout the legal process. They will help secure the best out-of-court settlements in terms of monetary damages, but they are also prepared to take cases to trial if necessary. Through proper legal representation, victims will obtain the after car accident care they deserve.
A car accident that results in injuries is a frightening and shocking situation for all parties involved, but luckily there are legal steps you can take to receive the compensation you are owed. Every year nearly three million people in the United States are injured in car accidents. There is a personal injury lawyer around every corner ready to take your case. It’s natural that you will be initially focused on healing after the injury, but it is wise to start on the steps below as soon as your health allows to receive the financial justice you deserve.
- Document everything surrounding the accident in words and photos. When you are seeking monetary compensation from the party that caused the accident, you should write down in detail everything that happened before, during, and after the accident. The fresher the memory of the accident is in your mind, the more details you will have to prove that you were not at fault. Photos that you have of your vehicle and of any injuries that result from the accident are necessary for a visual impact.
- Write down the details of your injuries and how they have affected your daily life. If you received an injury that will affect your quality of life for years to come, note that as well. Any medical documents that verify these changes to your physical condition will be key when it comes time for the court case. A lawyer can also use a written account of any ways in which the accident has prevented you from working, strained relationships with family and friends, or disrupted plans for vacation or travel.
- Request a copy of the police report if they were involved in the aftermath of the accident. Any details you may have forgotten in your written account, such as the time of day or weather conditions, will be included there. A police report may also include contact information for any witnesses to the accident and any conclusions they came to regarding who was at fault.
- Hire a lawyer as soon as possible. There is a time limit for filing a personal injury lawsuit, so if you need an attorney to take the case to court you need to find a firm you trust sooner rather than later. Auto accidents are in the top five most common types of personal injury cases –along with medical malpractice, premises liability, product liability, and wrongful death claims — providing you with a wide array of options for legal defense.
Cars are a central part of life for many people across the United States. Despite their everyday use, motor vehicles accidents make up 52% of personal injury cases. As we rely daily on a form of transportation that puts us at risk, know the steps you will need to take if you fall into that percentage.
