After a car accident, it can be difficult to determine what to do next. While you should always prioritize safety and medical attention, you should also hire Duluth Car Accident Lawyer to handle your claim.
They can help you file claims with the at-fault driver and your own insurance company—through a provision known as personal injury protection (PIP)—for bodily injuries. They can also prevent the undervaluation of your damages.
Having the right evidence in place is critical for car accident cases. Evidence includes everything from photographs to witness statements. It is a vital component of building your case and ensuring that you receive compensation for all your accident-related losses.
When it comes to proving fault, your lawyer may need to visit the crash site. This can help them identify and document important information, such as skid marks or other evidence that could indicate how the crash occurred. They may also review security camera footage to determine whether any part of the crash was caused by a weather condition or other hazard.
Injuries are another important component of a successful car accident claim. Your lawyer will work with your medical provider to ensure that all your injuries are documented and that you get the treatment you need. In addition, they will help you to keep track of all expenses related to your injuries and treatment. This can include things like medical bills, missed work, and transportation costs.
Your attorney will also collect and document other important details, such as the names of any witnesses and contact information. They may also ask for your insurance policy information and any other information that is relevant to your case. Your attorney will also document how the crash has impacted your life, including any physical, mental, and emotional impacts.
It is also helpful for your lawyer to have copies of any documents that show how the accident has impacted you, such as pay stubs or records from self-employment. Your lawyer can also request copies of any documents from the at-fault driver, such as their driver’s license or insurance card. They can also conduct a series of questions known as interrogatories to gather additional information about the incident.
Insurance adjusters and fact-finders often put a lot of value on eyewitness testimony, particularly from uninvolved parties. Witnesses can provide a unique perspective on how the accident happened and help to establish liability. They can also help to establish damages, such as current and future medical treatment costs and lost income.
Dealing With Insurance Companies
After a car accident, people are often given conflicting advice. They might read an article that says one thing and talk to a friend who tells them something completely different. It can get confusing and make you feel like you have very little control over your case. A lawyer will help you understand your rights and how to best move forward.
A lawyer will speak with the insurance adjusters on your behalf to ensure that everything that is said is in your best interest. Any information you provide to the insurance adjuster can be used against you and may impact the outcome of your claim. A lawyer will also review any documentation submitted by you to the insurance company to ensure that all details are accurate and complete.
If the at-fault driver’s insurer does not accept liability, a lawyer will explore other avenues to obtain compensation. This could include filing a lawsuit and seeking compensation from the at-fault driver, their employer, or any other parties who might be responsible for the crash.
In some cases, the insurance company may ask you to provide a recorded statement or sign documents about your claim. It is important to consult with a lawyer before agreeing to give a statement or signing any document as they could negatively impact your legal rights and prevent you from receiving the full value of your claim.
An experienced attorney will assess the insurance coverage of all involved parties to ensure that you are fully covered for all damages. They will also consider the adequacy of those coverages to meet your potential needs, such as medical expenses and lost wages. They will also evaluate whether a contribution to the accident under comparative negligence laws may apply to your case.
In addition, a lawyer will help you understand your policy’s exclusions and limitations. They will also explain how the statute of limitations applies to your case and ensure that all required deadlines are met. Lastly, a lawyer will analyze all relevant car accident laws to ensure you are protected from being unfairly treated by an insurance company.
Building Your Case
When it comes to proving negligence, car accident lawyers leave no stone unturned when gathering evidence. They will obtain copies of all police and accident reports and may interview investigating officers and witnesses to learn more details. They also know how to acquire medical records and bills as well as employment and lost wage information for their clients. They also understand the time limits (called statutes of limitations) that apply to bringing a claim and can help prevent procedural barriers.
An experienced car accident attorney will also visit the scene of the crash to make observations and gather evidence, such as photographs. They will review your medical records to establish a link between your injuries and the accident. They will also consider your current and future losses to determine what your damages should be, including compensation for past and ongoing medical treatment costs, loss of income, and emotional distress.
A lawyer will also take a close look at the other driver’s insurance policy to ensure you are entitled to maximum compensation for your injuries and losses. They will also examine the policy to find out what types of coverage might be available, such as uninsured motorist coverage, and assess any possible contributory negligence issues that could reduce your potential award.
Your lawyer will be familiar with all state and local laws that govern car accidents, ensuring you receive the full amount of compensation you are entitled to for your injuries and losses. They will also be aware of any special exceptions to the statute of limitations that might impact your case.
One of the biggest roles a car accident attorney plays is as your advocate. They will stand by your side throughout the entire claim or lawsuit process, fighting to ensure your voice is heard and your rights are protected. They will even handle any correspondence with the insurance companies on your behalf. In doing so, they can help ease the stress of the situation and allow you to focus on your recovery.
Negotiating A Settlement
Once you have a clear picture of your losses and injuries, an attorney can help you calculate how much your claim is worth. A lawyer will consider your current medical bills, future expenses if your injuries prevent you from working as before, the loss of enjoyment of life, property damage, and other losses. They will also consider non-economic damages such as pain and suffering.
Your attorney will take the time to review your accident report and any other available evidence such as witness testimony, pictures of the accident scene, insurance policy information, crash reports, and video footage. If necessary, they will hire expert witnesses to provide detailed opinions and testimony in court. This can make all the difference in a case. Having an experienced car accident lawyer by your side will give you an edge when it comes to negotiating with the insurance company for maximum compensation.
The insurance company will likely start with an offer that is far below what you deserve. Their goal is to settle your claim quickly and for as little money as possible. They will try to pressure you into accepting their low offer, especially if they see that you are struggling for cash.
You should never accept an insurance settlement without having your lawyer review it first. Even if you are partially to blame for the accident, Florida’s pure comparative negligence laws allow you to recover damages as long as the other party was at least partly responsible.
Your lawyer’s experience, education, and years of practice will significantly increase your potential to receive a fair settlement from an insurance company. If you decide to work with an attorney, choose one that is honest, accessible, and willing to fight for you in court if necessary. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and find out how they can help you build a strong claim for the maximum amount of compensation available. We handle all types of car accident claims including accidents caused by drunk driving, speeding, and distracted drivers. Call now or fill out our online form to get started.