Oftentimes, people involved in a car accident do not understand the legal rights of victims. Many times, they are accused of fault but are not fully at fault. In such cases, it is in the best interest to hire a car accident lawyer who can protect their rights and gather evidence. In other cases, there may be several parties at fault and uncertain liability. Hiring a car accident lawyer can help you protect your rights and ensure that you get the compensation you deserve.
Lessons learned from hiring a car accident lawyer
Many people value their cars for their many benefits, but owning one does not come without a certain level of risk. In some areas of the world, the number of car accidents per year can be high. Hiring a Taylorsville car accident lawyer to represent you can alleviate the stress of dealing with the aftermath of the accident. Here are a few lessons to keep in mind when hiring a car accident lawyer.
Steps to take after a car accident
If you have been involved in a car accident, the first step is to call 911 to report the accident. If you are involved in a minor accident, call 911 and make sure everyone inside your vehicle is safe. Take pictures of the scene, exchange insurance information, and report the accident to your own insurance company. Then, make sure to address any injuries that occurred. If you are the driver or passenger of the other vehicle, move it away from traffic and out of harm’s way.
Insurance company’s role in negotiating settlement
The insurance company plays a critical role in negotiating the settlement of your claim, but you can also avoid being cheated out of a fair settlement by not fully understanding how the process works. Although insurance companies are legally obligated to compensate victims of negligent acts, they are motivated by profits to minimize the award and avoid losing money. Because insurance companies depend on premium payments, a settlement reduces the amount of money they can make. The insurance company will try to sway your case by requesting information and statements that can help them reduce the amount of money you are awarded. If you are unsure of what to expect, you should not provide statements before talking to your car accident attorney.
Importance of seeking medical treatment after a car accident
Even if you don’t feel injured immediately after a car accident, you should still seek medical treatment. The reason is simple: hidden injuries can go unnoticed for days or even weeks. Not only can you be hurt without noticing it, but you could be suffering from a more serious condition if you fail to seek treatment right away. By waiting too long to seek treatment, you could end up with a permanent injury.
Time limits for filing a claim with an insurance company
In most states, you can only file a car accident claim with your insurance provider if you file it within certain time limits. However, this doesn’t mean you can file months or even years after the accident if you meet all other requirements. If you miss the time limits, your insurance provider may deny your claim. In addition, your insurer may investigate the damages you caused in the accident and deny coverage if they find reasonable grounds to doubt your claim.
