The Importance of a Car Accident Attorney When you are injured in a car accident, an attorney can help ensure that you receive the right amount of compensation for your injuries and losses. A lawyer can also explain the limitations on time (known as statutes of limitations) which could impact your claim. Never provide any information either in writing or oral form to an agent of the at-fault party's insurance company. These statements will be recorded and used against you in court, should you have a case. Gathering Evidence The outcome of your insurance claim for car accidents or lawsuit will be based on the quality of the evidence you produce. This includes physical evidence such photographs of skidmarks, debris, and skidmarks along with witness testimony and official documents like police reports. The earlier you start collecting evidence the earlier you begin gathering evidence, the better. This is especially true when it is time to prove the reason for your injuries as well as the liability of the other party for the crash. If you're able to to, take photos of the scene of the crash before the vehicles or other things are damaged or moved. https://vimeo.com/709574711 will help your lawyer make a case as to why the accident happened and what caused it, such as if other driver was distracted or was speeding. You should also collect any other pertinent information that can be used to prove your case. If the driver who was involved in the accident was driving a truck, note the company which owns the truck as well as its unique identification number (VIN). If witnesses were present to the incident, get their contact information as well as their statements. Fact-finders, insurance adjusters, and other experts usually find that neutral witnesses who have no financial stake are more credible than those who participated in the incident. A police report from the moment of the incident is among the most important pieces to have. The report will provide your attorney crucial information about the accident, such as the names of the individuals involved and a description for every vehicle involved. This document will also include the officer’s observations and opinions regarding the accident, as well as who was at fault. In addition to the police report, it's also helpful to have medical reports of any injuries you suffered due to the crash. This will allow your attorney to determine the severity of your injuries and the impact they have had on your life. You might want to gather other documents to will support your claim. These could include receipts, bills from vehicle repairs, medical treatment and lost earnings due to missing work. Working with Insurance Companies Car accidents can be one of the most stressful events that anyone can experience. They can be stressful and potentially dangerous, leading to injuries that require expensive medical care or result in loss of income. When accidents occur in New York, it is crucial to have the proper legal representation to protect your rights and receive the compensation you deserve. An experienced accident lawyer is able to gather all the evidence required for a successful claim. This includes police reports, witness testimony, medical records, bills, information on employment and lost earnings, and even vehicle damage. They are also familiar with insurance companies and know how to recognize any attempts at denial or low-ball deals. A lawyer can also help identify the damages you are entitled to. These include the compensation you deserve for physical and mental pain and suffering, as also financial losses like medical bills, lost wages and property damage. Insurance companies are in the business of saving money. They frequently do all they can to refuse a legitimate claim or settle for less than what the accident victim is owed. They question the injuries of victims and reduce the severity of the injury to decrease the amount they pay out. A lot of accident victims aren't aware of the different tactics used by insurance companies to make money of them, particularly those that have not hired an attorney. The main reason you should not negotiate directly with an insurance company after a car accident is that they are experts in reducing claims. They may also employ strategies such as: A knowledgeable lawyer for car accidents has the knowledge, skills and resources to advocate for you against these companies and will be capable of negotiating a higher settlement than you would otherwise receive. They will also be familiar with any time limitations (called statutes of limitations) which may apply to your situation and ensure that you do not lose the right to file an action against the at-fault driver. Negotiating a Settlement When it is time to negotiate a settlement with your insurance provider, your attorney is prepared to talk to them on behalf of you. This will allow you to concentrate on your recovery and not get emotionally involved in the discussion. This is crucial due to two reasons. One is that it will allow you to better listen to what the insurance company is saying and identify any problems with their stance that could be used to gain leverage in negotiations. It also will help prevent you from making statements that could hurt your case. A lawyer can help calculate the amount of a fair settlement taking into consideration all the damages you have suffered. This includes your present and future medical expenses and lost income, the cost of repairing or replacing your car as well as pain and suffering and much more. Based on the circumstances, you may be entitled to additional compensation, such as attorney's fees or punitive damages. Negotiations can be long and complex. An experienced attorney can navigate the insurance process with greater efficiency because they know the intricacies of dealing with the insurance companies. The lawyer will also be able to 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, evidence of employment and loss of wages as well as insurance policy information as well as other relevant documentation. The insurance company will go through all the documentation and then issue an offer for settlement. It is not often that the amount provided to cover all of your losses. You should carefully weigh the offer and decide if it is worth accepting. If you think the price is too low, your lawyer can draft a thorough letter of demand explaining the reason why your claim is worth more. The insurance company will likely respond with a range of arguments to show what they believe is fair. Your lawyer will be able to counter them with the evidence you've collected. Filing an action In the course of negotiating for the best compensation, your lawyer will act as your advocate. Your attorney is ethically bound to keep your best interest in mind. They are in charge of an insurance company or presenting your case in before a judge, or jury they will be at your side to ensure you get the compensation you deserve. After you've taken care of any injuries and have collected all the evidence you can, it's the time for your attorney to start a lawsuit against the driver who is at fault. Your attorney will handle this process for you, ensuring that all legal requirements are met, and that your claim is filed before your state's deadline. This deadline, which is known as a statute-of-limitations, is the maximum time you can have to pursue legal action to claim the damages you're entitled to. Your lawyer will gather additional information on your behalf during the discovery process, a formal procedure where both parties in the lawsuit exchange information. This can be done through written questions sent to the other side and answered under oath, as being a request that documents or physical objects be produced in the case. Examples include police reports, photos of the accident scene witnesses' statements, etc. Your lawyer could also conduct a deposition which is a verbal interrogation of witnesses under oath which is recorded and used in court proceedings. Additionally, your lawyer will also be able to offer you valuable guidance and advice throughout the legal process. You can decide whether you'd like to settle the matter outside of court or file a suit, and what damages you're seeking if you decide to do. They can help you figure out how much you can ask for past, present and future discomfort medical expenses, lost wages. If you've been injured in an accident in your car, call Bruscato Law for help. Our car accident attorneys are available to review your case and answer your questions. Book your free consultation today to get started.