Car accident lawyers take into account all the ways a crash impacts you, including current and future medical bills, property damage, lost income, emotional trauma, and other damages not capable of exact calculation. They also understand how to calculate uninsured motorist coverage.

Lawyers are skilled negotiators who prevent insurance companies from undervaluing your case. They also handle all communication with insurance companies so that you do not accidentally compromise your claim by speaking to them on your own.

1. See a Doctor Right Away

Getting into an accident is not only scary and stressful but it can be a time-consuming process that leaves you feeling even more overwhelmed. Injuries can occur in the blink of an eye, leaving you with a lot to handle, including getting to work, finding transportation, and arranging for child care or babysitters. You’ll probably have to take days off of work, which means lost wages. You’ll also have to deal with medical bills and a car repair bill. This can be a lot to manage, especially if the injuries you suffer seem minor. This is why it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible following the crash.

Health and legal case

Taking too long to get to a doctor can put your health and legal case in jeopardy. Some injuries are not immediately apparent – the body releases adrenaline and endorphins after an accident which can mask pain and symptoms until the effects wear off. Other injury symptoms, such as internal bleeding or brain trauma, might present themselves with latent and seemingly minor signs like headaches, minor aches and pains, numbness, and swelling. If these are not properly treated, they can worsen over time, making it harder to receive compensation for future treatment.

It’s also crucial to have documentation of your injuries for the purposes of your claim. Keeping a journal or diary about your symptoms, including the severity of them on a scale of 1-10, is helpful when it comes to building a case. It can help your attorney to understand the full extent of your injuries and your potential needs for the future.

If you don’t seek medical care within a reasonable amount of time following an accident, you might lose your rights to PIP benefits. These include coverage for your medical bills, as well as a number of other expenses related to the accident. Seeing a doctor as quickly as possible can ensure that you have all of your medical care covered, no matter who was at fault for the accident.

The expense of seeing a doctor can add up to hundreds or thousands of dollars, but your lawyer will cover the cost of these “case costs” for you, meaning that you don’t have to pay them until you’ve received compensation. This includes things like a police report, medical records, consulting with experts, and deposition fees.

2. Don’t Be Pressured

Many accident victims make the mistake of avoiding legal representation because they think it will be too expensive. However, it is far more costly to accept a low insurance settlement than it would be to hire an attorney and fight for the full amount of compensation you deserve.

One way insurance companies try to save money is by pressuring you to settle early. They will offer a low initial figure and claim that it’s all they can do to help you. However, it’s likely that you will need much more than this to cover your medical bills and other expenses. Your attorney will know how to calculate your actual losses and work diligently to get you what you’re owed.

Another trick insurance companies use is to request recorded statements from you. This could be very damaging to your case. You should never agree to a recorded statement without the guidance of your lawyer. If you don’t have a lawyer, you could unknowingly say something that the insurance company can use against you later on.

Your lawyer can also help you estimate your future costs. This can include things like your estimated lost wages and future medical expenses. These are hard to put a dollar amount on, but your attorney will be able to use data from medical professionals to get you an accurate number.

Finally, it’s important to remember that most attorneys do not charge a flat fee. They are usually on a percentage basis. However, they will often bill for other case-related expenses or disbursements. These are separate from the attorney’s percentage-based fee. It’s important to be upfront with your lawyer about these fees so that you understand how the charges will affect your total settlement.

3. Don’t Sign Any Agreements

Car accident attorneys often work on a contingency fee basis, meaning that they will only get paid if they successfully win compensation for their clients. However, it’s important to fully understand the details of a contingency agreement before signing one. These agreements usually include the attorney’s percentage fee as well as other fees and expenses that the client may incur. It’s also important to note that these fees can add up very quickly, and it’s important for victims to know exactly what they are paying for.

The amount of money that a victim will receive in a successful case is typically based on the severity of their injuries and the extent to which those injuries have affected their lives. However, there are other expenses that must be taken into account in calculating the final settlement or award, including past and future medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. It’s important to keep these costs in mind when negotiating with an insurance company and not be blinded by a high-ball offer.

Attorney

Many accident victims are tempted to accept a quick and easy settlement from the insurance company, but that could end up costing them more in the long run. This is because most settlements contain a “release” clause that prevents you from making any additional legal claims related to the crash. Some releases even prevent you from filing a lawsuit against the party responsible for your accident.

A good attorney will help you to avoid pitfalls like this by reviewing the terms of any settlement agreement before you sign it. He or she will ensure that the agreement is fair and in your best interest, and that it adequately covers all of your damages.

It’s also a good idea to stay off social media during the duration of your case, as any information posted can be used against you by the insurance company. Lastly, it’s important to remember that a settlement agreement is a binding legal contract. That means that once you sign it, you cannot back out unless there is a significant error or mistake in the accounting that has not been caught before you signed it.

4. Pay Attention to Your Insurance Company

Car accidents can leave victims with expensive medical bills, lost income, and other damages. However, it’s important to know that you may be eligible to receive compensation for your damages if the accident wasn’t your fault. Fortunately, an experienced attorney can help. They will be able to assess your case and provide information that can save you money.

During the initial consultation, they can discuss the circumstances of your crash and explain how the law applies to your situation. Then, they can work to determine the maximum amount of damages you may be entitled to receive, including medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.

They also have a deep understanding of insurance laws and the nuances of policies. This helps them negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf and ensures that all of your economic losses are taken into account when reaching a settlement. They can also consult with experts who can analyze the crash scene, examine evidence and reconstruct what happened to help them establish a clear picture of who was at fault.

Insurance Company

Once all of the necessary information has been compiled, your attorney can file a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company. This will detail the crash and your injuries, and include a request for compensation for your losses. The insurance company will then typically make an initial offer, which is often far less than what you are owed.

If the insurance company won’t settle for policy limits, your lawyer can file a lawsuit on your behalf. They will handle all communication with the insurance company and defend you in court against any attempts to diminish or deny your valid injury claim.

While most attorneys will ask for a retainer upfront, the fee is usually based on a percentage of your final settlement or judgment. This means that if your case is settled quickly, you’ll likely be refunded the entire amount of your retainer. However, if your case takes longer than expected, you will be responsible for any incurred legal fees and disbursements. These can include filing fees, deposition costs, expert witness fees and more.