The Importance of a Car Accident Attorney A lawyer can help you get fair compensation for injuries or losses if you are involved in a crash. An attorney can also help you understand the time limitations (known as statutes of limitations) which could impact your claim. Never make any statements either in writing or verbally to an insurance agent for the person at the fault. These statements will be recorded and used against you in court, if you have a case. Gathering Evidence Your ability to produce evidence will determine the outcome of any insurance claim or lawsuit you file in relation to a car accident. This includes evidence that is physical like photographs of skidmarks and other debris and witness testimony and official documents, such as police reports. The earlier you start gathering evidence, the better. This is particularly relevant when you're trying to establish the reason for your injury and the responsibility of the other party in the accident. Take photographs of the crash scene before vehicles or other objects were damaged or moved. This can help your attorney to establish the circumstances under which the accident occurred like if the other driver was distracted or speeding. It is also important to collect any other information that might be relevant to your case. If the other driver involved in the crash was driving a truck, note the company that is the owner of the truck as well as its unique identification number (VIN). If there were any witnesses to the incident, collect their contact information and a statement. Insurance adjusters and other fact-finders often consider neutral witnesses who have no financial stake in the incident to be more trustworthy than those who were involved in the incident. A police report at the time of the incident is one of the most important pieces of information to have. This report will provide you with attorney with the most important details regarding how the incident occurred including the names of the individuals in the accident and a description of each vehicle involved in the collision. It will also include the officer's comments and opinions regarding the incident and who was responsible for the accident. In addition to a police report, it's also beneficial to have medical documents of any injuries you suffered in the course of the collision. https://vimeo.com/709546801 will enable your lawyer to determine the extent of your injuries and how they have affected your life. You may want to collect other documents to support your claim. These include receipts or bills from vehicle repairs or medical treatments, as well as lost income from missed work. Dealing with Insurance Companies Car accidents are among the most painful experiences any person can experience. They can be stressful and potentially dangerous and can result in injuries that require expensive medical treatment or lost income. It is important to select the appropriate lawyer to protect your rights in New York and to get the compensation you're entitled to. An accident attorney knows how to gather the required evidence to support a claim, including police reports as well as witness statements medical records, bills and other documents including employment and loss of earnings information, and details of damage to the vehicle. They also have experience dealing with insurance companies and know how to spot any attempts at refusal or low-ball offers. A lawyer can also assist you to determine the types of damages that you are entitled to. They can help you recover compensation for your physical and mental suffering as well as financial losses, such as medical bills, lost wages and property damage. Insurance companies exist to save money. They will do whatever it takes to deny or settle a claim that is valid. They regularly challenge victims, question their injuries and minimize the extent of the accident so that they can reduce the amount that is paid out in a settlement. Many accident victims do not understand the tactics insurance companies employ to take advantage of their situation, particularly those who haven't hired an lawyer. The main reason you shouldn't engage directly with an insurance provider after an accident is because they are experts in reducing claims. They may employ tactics such as: A knowledgeable lawyer for car accidents has the expertise, knowledge and resources to defend you against these companies and be competent to negotiate a greater settlement than you'd otherwise receive. They will also be familiar of any time limits (called statutes of limitations) that could apply to your case, and will make sure that you don't lose the right to file an action against the at-fault driver. The process of negotiating a settlement When it's time to negotiate a settlement with your insurance company Your attorney will be prepared to speak to them on behalf of you. This will help you stay clear of emotional involvement in the discussion and concentrate on your recovery. This is important for two reasons. One is that it will allow you to listen better to what the insurance company is saying and spot any flaws in their position that could be used to gain leverage in negotiations. It also helps keep your from making statements that could harm your case. A lawyer can assist you determine how much an appropriate settlement will be by weighing all your damages. This includes all the damages you have suffered that you incur, including medical expenses and future ones, lost income, cost to fix or replace your vehicle, pain and suffering. Depending on the situation, you may be entitled to additional compensation such as punitive damages or attorney's fees. Negotiations can be lengthy and complex. A knowledgeable attorney understands the ways to deal with insurance companies and can handle the process with greater efficiency than you could. They can also gather the evidence you need to ensure your case is as solid as you can, including police reports and witness statements or statements, hospital and doctor's records, employment and loss of wages and insurance policy information as well as other relevant documentation. The insurance company will examine all documentation and then issue an offer of settlement. It isn't often for the amount of money offered to be enough to cover all of your losses. You must be careful about the offer and decide if it's worth your time to accept it. If you believe the offer is low, your attorney can write an exact demand letter outlining why you feel your claim is worth more. The insurance company will likely respond with a variety of arguments to explain the reason why they believe that their offer is reasonable. Your lawyer will be able to counter these arguments using the evidence you've gathered. Filing an action Your attorney will be your advocate throughout the process to ensure that you receive maximum compensation. Your attorney is legally bound to always have your best interests at heart. They are in charge of an insurance company or presenting your case the presence of a judge or jury they will be on your side to make sure you get the compensation you deserve. After you've treated any injuries and collected all the evidence you have, it's now time for your attorney to start a lawsuit against the driver who is at fault. Your attorney will handle this process on your behalf, ensuring that all legal requirements are met and your claim is filed within your state's deadline. This deadline, called a statute-of-limitations, limits how long you have to pursue legal action to claim the damages you're entitled to. Your attorney will gather more information on your behalf during the discovery process, which is a formal process whereby both parties in the lawsuit exchange information. This can include written questions that are sent to a third party and answered under an oath (called interrogatories) as well as requests for the production of documents or physical objects that are involved in the case, for example, police reports, photographs of the scene of an accident, and witness statements. Your lawyer can also conduct a deposition which is a formal interrogation of witnesses under oath that is recorded and used in court proceedings. Your lawyer can also offer useful guidance and assistance throughout the legal process. This will help you decide if prefer to settle your case outside of court or pursue an action or if you decide to start a lawsuit, what kind of damages you're seeking. They will help you determine the amount you should request for past, present and future discomfort, medical expenses, and lost wages. If you've been injured in a car accident, contact Bruscato Law for help. Our car accident attorneys are waiting to review your case and answer any questions you may have. Contact us today for a free consultation to get started.