Top 5 Reasons Why You Should Hire a Lawyer After a Car Accident
If you have been injured in a car accident, there are many issues that suddenly arise. Medical care. Car care. Health insurance. Time off work. It can get overwhelming. Calling a lawyer is probably low on your list, but there are several reasons why it’s important to keep legal help one of your priorities. Once you are out of crisis mode, you will be glad you consulted with a car accident lawyer from the very beginning.
Here is why.
1. Insurance Company Lawyers
Insurance companies have their own lawyers who spend all day fighting against claims that are probably similar to yours. You definitely don’t want to go up against them alone. A private personal injury attorney will be able to help you navigate insurance issues and are experts at fighting against insurance company lawyers; they are your best bet to making sure you get the compensation you deserve.
2. Proof of Your Injuries
A lawyer will advise you to see a doctor right away after being involved in a car accident. This is the case even if you do not feel you have serious injuries, because some serious injuries, like head trauma, don’t become evident right away. It’s always important to get checked out by a doctor following an accident. Additionally, an insurance company wants to see that you sought medical care and they want proof of your injuries. As you go through medical care, your lawyer will advise you on which medical documents you need to present to the insurance company to make your claim as strong as possible.
3. Document Everything
In a similar vein, your lawyer will help you assemble your case using as much documentation of your damages as possible. Firstly, on the scene you need to obtain the name, address, and license and vehicle information of the other driver. You also need to collect pictures of your damaged car, copies of lost wages at work due to time off, medical documents, home health care documents, and any other documents that are evidence of your damages. Keep track of your injury symptoms and the care you receive for them, including second opinions and further specialist care. You want to keep everything together, organized in one spot and ready to present to the insurance company.
4. Statute of Limitations Advisement
In the state of New York, as in many states, there are statutes of limitations on claims and lawsuits to prevent a person or entity from being liable forever. Once a certain amount of time has passed, a suit can no longer be filed regarding that particular incident. In New York, the statute of limitations for most cases is three years. A lawyer will help you make sure to keep you on track for filing your claim within the statute of limitations time frame.
5. Insurance Claim Procedure
There is a specific procedure to filing an insurance claim and in dealing with the other party’s insurance company. You want to be careful to fulfill all requirements as indicated by both insurance companies and to avoid inadvertently making any kind of incriminating statement against yourself. Personal injury attorneys have extensive experience in dealing with insurance companies and will make sure you get everything done as required.
If you are injured in a car accident, lawyers like the ones at Goldberg and Chase can help. Your attorney will guide you along the way and put you in the best position for recovering as much compensation as possible.
