Why You Should Hire an Auto Accident Lawyer
Whether you have been injured in a car accident, or you have suffered a loved one’s loss due to an auto accident, you may want to consider contacting an attorney. Not only can you protect your rights, but you can also get the compensation you deserve.
Finding a lawyer
Getting the right compensation is important for an accident victim. It is a good idea to speak to an attorney to determine what your rights are and how to proceed. The settlement process can take several months or years, depending on the case.
In addition to hiring auto accident lawyers in Colombia, SC, you may want to consider other forms of legal assistance. An attorney can help you understand your options, and negotiate with insurance companies to get you the highest possible compensation. Using an accident attorney will also streamline the settlement process.
In many cases, insurance companies do not offer fair compensation to accident victims. They are in business to save money, so they may not act in your best interests.
Before hiring a lawyer, you should do a background check. This will tell you a lot about the lawyer. In particular, a background check will tell you if the attorney has ever been sued, and if the firm has a history of holding its lawyers accountable.
Working on a contingency basis
Having an auto accident lawyer work on a contingency basis means that you will only have to pay your attorney if they win your case. This is a great option for people who cannot afford to pay for legal services upfront.
Many personal injury victims do not have the money to cover the upfront costs. These costs include lost wages, medical bills, property damage, and pain and suffering. Without the help of a personal injury lawyer, you may not be able to recover the damages you deserve.
The best way to find a personal injury lawyer who works on a contingency basis is to look online. You can also ask around for recommendations. You should not sign an agreement until you are comfortable with it.
Getting medical attention after the accident
Getting medical attention after an auto accident can be overwhelming. Even if you have not suffered a physical injury, emotional stress can be just as damaging. This type of stress can result in insomnia, PTSD, and other serious health problems. It can also lead to a fear of driving.
When you are involved in a car accident, the representatives of both your insurance company and the other party will be approach you. They may try to lull you into thinking that they are helping you or that you are in need of their services. However, they are looking to settle the claim as quickly as possible. This means that if you delay getting medical treatment, you could end up losing your right to recover compensation for your injuries.
Filing a personal injury lawsuit
Depending on the state you live in, you may have a specific time frame within which you can file a personal injury lawsuit. These time limits are known as statutes of limitations.
For example, California allows injured people to file a personal injury lawsuit two years after the incident. If you fail to file a claim within that time frame, you will lose your right to sue.
Typically, a jury is selected to determine the amount of compensation that the plaintiff can expect. The jury weighs contested issues of fact to make a decision.
If you are involved in a car accident, you should speak with a qualified car accident lawyer to find out if you have a case. You may also want to consider filing an insurance claim with the other driver’s insurer. This will not require you to go to court, but will help you get a quick settlement.
Collecting evidence
Getting the proper evidence is very important after a car accident. Without it, you may be denied compensation for your injuries.
There are different types of evidence that you can use to prove fault or liability. You will need to gather the necessary information from the drivers and the police. It is also important to take pictures of the scene. This will help you to remember the details of the crash. It is also helpful to access the security footage.
Another important evidence is witness statements. It is often difficult to determine the fault of a driver, but an eyewitness can provide corroboration for the other driver’s account of the crash. It is best to collect statements as soon as possible after the crash.
You should also take photos of the vehicle and its condition after the crash. It will be helpful to your attorney to be able to assess the case. These photos can show damage to the vehicles, the location of the crash, and the severity of the injuries.