The Importance of a Car Accident Attorney If you're injured in a car crash, an attorney can help ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and losses. A lawyer can explain the time limits that may affect your claim (also known as statutes or limitations). Never give any statement, oral or written, to the representative of the insurance company. These will be recorded, and used against you in the court case your case goes to trial. Gathering Evidence The outcome of your insurance claim for car accidents or lawsuit will depend on the quality of evidence you can create. This includes physical evidence like photographs or skidmarks, as well as debris along with witness testimony and official documents like police reports. The sooner you begin gathering evidence The sooner you start collecting evidence, the better. This is particularly true when you are trying to establish the cause of your injury as well as the other party’s liability for the accident. If you can capture photos of the scene of the accident before the vehicles or other things are moved or damaged. This will help your lawyer create a case to prove how the accident happened in the first place, for example, if the other driver was distracted or speeding. Also, you should gather any other pertinent details that could be used as evidence in your case. For example, if the other driver involved in the crash is driving commercially-owned vehicle, make note of the company that owns it as well as the truck's unique identification number (VIN). If witnesses were present at the accident, take their contact information and a statement. Insurance adjusters and other factfinders typically look at neutral witnesses with no financial stake in the case to be more credible than those who were involved in the incident. A police report from the moment of the incident is among the most important documents to have. This document will provide your attorney with vital details on how the accident happened, such as names of those involved and a description of each vehicle involved in the collision. This document will also include the officer's observations and views regarding the accident, as well as who is responsible. In addition to a police report, it's also beneficial to have medical records of any injuries that you suffered in the crash. This will help your attorney evaluate your injuries accurately and the impact they have had on your life. You may also want to gather any other documentation to support your claim for example, receipts or invoices for vehicle repair or medical treatment, as well as lost income from missed work in the aftermath of the accident. Working With Insurance Companies Car accidents can be one of the most frightening events that anyone can experience. They can be extremely dangerous and stressful, resulting in injuries that require costly medical treatment or even loss of income. It is important to hire the right lawyer to protect your rights in New York and to get the compensation you deserve. An experienced accident lawyer knows how to gather the evidence needed to support a claim, including police reports witnesses' statements medical records and bills including employment and loss of earnings information, as well as details of damage to the vehicle. They have also dealt with insurance companies before and are able to recognize any attempts to deny your claim or low-balling offers. A lawyer can help you determine the types of damages that you are entitled to. This includes the compensation you deserve for mental and physical 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 make a claim or settle one that is legitimate. They often confront victims, question their injuries and attempt to minimize the seriousness of the crash so that they can reduce the amount of money that is paid out on a settlement. Many victims of accidents are not aware of the various strategies employed by insurance companies to make money of them, especially those who haven't hired an attorney. The primary reason you should not negotiate directly with an insurance company after an accident is that they are experts in reducing claims. They could even employ strategies such as: A skilled car accident lawyer is equipped with the knowledge, expertise and resources to defend you against these firms and be in a position to negotiate a larger settlement than what you would otherwise receive. They'll also be aware of any time limits that might apply to your case (called statutes or limitations) and ensure that you don't lose the right to sue the responsible motorist. Negotiating a Settlement When the time comes to negotiate an agreement with the insurance provider your lawyer will be prepared to talk with them on your behalf. This will allow you to concentrate on your recovery and not get emotionally involved in the discussion. This is crucial due to two reasons. It can help you listen to the insurance company more and recognize any issues with their attitude that could be leveraged in negotiations. It also will help prevent you from making statements that could damage your case. A lawyer can help you determine what a fair settlement is likely to be by taking into account all of your damages. This includes your present and future medical expenses including lost income, cost of replacing or repairing your car or vehicle, pain and suffering and more. Depending on the situation, you may be eligible for additional compensation such as attorney's fees or punitive damages. Negotiations can be long and complicated. An experienced lawyer can navigate the insurance process more efficiently because they are familiar with the complexities of dealing with insurance companies. He or she can also collect the evidence required to make your case as strong as you can, including police reports and witness statements as well as hospital and doctor's records, employment and loss of wages and insurance policy information and other relevant documents. The insurance company will go through all the documentation and then send you an offer for settlement. It is rare that the amount offered enough to cover your entire loss. You must take a close look at the offer and determine if it's worth accepting or not. If you think the price is not fair, then your attorney can draft a thorough letter of demand explaining the reason why your claim is worth a lot more. The insurance company is likely to respond with a series of arguments to explain the reasons they believe their offer is fair. Your attorney can counter these arguments with the evidence you've gathered. Filing an action Your lawyer will serve as your advocate throughout the process to ensure that you get the maximum amount of compensation. They are legally bound to keep your best interests in mind at all moments. They will always be there for you regardless of whether they are dealing directly with an insurance company or presenting your case before a jury or judge. After you've taken care of any injuries and collected all of the evidence you can, it's the time for your attorney to make a claim against the at-fault driver. Your attorney will take care of this process, making sure all legal requirements are met, as well as that your claim is submitted within the time frame set by your state. This deadline, called a statute-of-limitations, limits how long you have to take legal action in order to recover the damages you're entitled to. Your lawyer will gather additional information on your behalf during the discovery process. This is a formal procedure where both parties in the lawsuit exchange information. This can be done through written questions that are sent to the other party that are answered under oath as well in requests that documents or physical objects be presented in the trial. Examples are police reports, photos of the scene of the accident, witness statements, etc. Your lawyer could also conduct a deposition, which is a verbal questioning of witnesses under oath, which is recorded and used in court proceedings. Your lawyer can also provide valuable guidance and advice throughout the legal process. You will be able to decide whether you'd prefer to settle out of court or file a claim and what damages you're seeking if you decide to do. They can help you decide the amount you should to ask for in order to cover your past, present and future suffering and pain and any medical expenses or loss of wages you've experienced due to your injuries. If https://vimeo.com/709541336 've been injured in an accident in your car, call Bruscato Law for assistance. Our car accident lawyers are prepared to review your case and answer any questions you might have. To get started, schedule your free consultation.