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 losses and injuries. An attorney can also help you understand the time limits (known as statutes of limitations) that may impact your claim. Never provide any information either written or oral to an official of the at-fault party's insurance company. These statements are recorded and used to your detriment in court, if you have a case. Gathering Evidence The outcome of your insurance claim for car accidents or lawsuit will depend on the quality of the evidence you present. This includes physical evidence like photographs of skidmarks and other debris and witness testimony and official documents such as police reports. The earlier you begin gathering evidence, the better. This is especially true when you are trying to prove the reason for your injury and the liability of the other party to the accident. Photograph the accident scene before vehicles or objects have been damaged or moved. This can help your attorney build a case for how the accident occurred like if the other driver was distracted or speeding. Additionally, you must gather any other pertinent information that can be used to support your case. For instance, if other driver involved in the collision is driving commercially-owned vehicle, make note of the company that owns it, as well as the truck's unique identification number (VIN). If there were witnesses to the incident, collect their contact information and statement. Insurance adjusters and other factfinders typically take neutral witnesses who have no financial stake in the investigation to be more trustworthy than those involved in the incident. A police report at the moment of the incident is one of the most important pieces to have. The report will provide your attorney important details about the incident, including the names of those involved as well as a description of each vehicle involved. This document will also include the officer's comments and opinions regarding the accident, as well as who was at fault. It is helpful to have police reports and medical records that show injuries you suffered as a result of. This will enable your lawyer to determine the extent of your injuries and how they've affected your life. You may want to collect other documents to can support your claim. These could include receipts or bills for repairs to your vehicle, medical treatment and lost income due to missed work. Working With Insurance Companies Car accidents are often one of the most stressful situations that anyone could experience. They can be dangerous and stressful, resulting in injuries that require expensive medical treatment or a loss of income. It is important to select the best lawyer to protect your rights in New York and to get the compensation you deserve. An accident lawyer knows how to gather all the evidence needed to make a claim successful. This includes police reports, witness testimony, medical records, bills details on employment and lost earnings, and vehicle damage. They also have experience dealing with insurance companies and are able to recognize any attempts at refusal or low-ball offers. A lawyer can help you determine the kinds of damages you are entitled to. This includes the compensation you deserve for mental and physical pain and suffering as also financial losses like medical bills, lost wages and property damage. Insurance companies are in the business of saving money and often do everything they can to refuse a legitimate claim or settle for less than what the victim of an accident is entitled to. They often challenge the victims, question their injuries and minimize the severity of the accident so that they can reduce the amount that is paid out in settlements. Many victims of accidents do not know the tactics that insurance companies use to take advantage of their situation, particularly those who have not hired an attorney. The primary reason you shouldn't negotiate directly with an insurance company following an accident is that they are skilled at reducing claims. They can even employ strategies such as: A lawyer for car accidents with experience will have the know-how abilities, skills, and resources to take on your behalf against these businesses. They can also negotiate a settlement that is far greater than what you would receive otherwise. They will also be knowledgeable with any time limitations (called statutes of limitations) that may apply to your case and will ensure that you do not lose your right to bring an action against the at fault driver. The process of negotiating a settlement Your attorney will be prepared to advocate for you when it comes to negotiating a settlement with your insurance company. This will let you focus on your recovery and not be emotionally involved in the conversation. This is important due to two reasons. One, it will allow you to be more attentive to what the insurance company is saying and spot any issues with their approach that could be used to gain leverage in negotiations. It also helps keep you from saying things that could damage your case. A lawyer can help you determine how much an appropriate settlement could be by incorporating all your damages. This covers all your damages which include medical expenses and future ones as well as lost income, the cost to replace or repair your vehicle, pain and suffering. You may also be entitled to additional compensation, like attorney's fees or punitive damage. Car accidents can be a bit complicated and the negotiation process can be long and drawn-out. An experienced lawyer knows the specifics of dealing with insurance companies and can handle the process with greater efficiency than you would. They will also be able to collect the evidence necessary to ensure your case is as solid as it can be, including police reports as well as witness statements or statements, hospital and doctor's documents, records of employment and loss of wages and insurance policy details, as well as other relevant documentation. The insurance company will examine your documents and send you an offer of settlement. It is very rare for the amount of money offered to be enough to cover all your losses. You will have to evaluate the offer carefully and determine if it's worth accepting or not. If you think the price is too low, your lawyer can draft a thorough letter of demand stating the reason why your claim is worth a lot more. The insurance company is likely to respond with a variety of arguments to show the reasons why they believe their offer is fair. Your lawyer can counter these arguments using the evidence that you have collected. Filing an action Your attorney will be your advocate throughout the process to ensure that you receive the highest amount of compensation. Your attorney is legally bound to keep your best interests in mind. Whether they are dealing with an insurance company or presenting your case in front of a judge or jury they will be at your side to make sure that you receive the money you are entitled to. After you have tended to any injuries and collected all the evidence you are able to, it's time for your attorney to bring a lawsuit against the at-fault driver. Your lawyer will take care of this process, ensuring all legal requirements are met and that your claim is submitted within the timeframe set by your state. This deadline, sometimes referred to as a statute or a limitation that limits the time you are required to file a lawsuit to recover damages. Your attorney will gather more information on your behalf during the discovery process. It is a formal procedure where both parties in a lawsuit exchange information. https://vimeo.com/709518177 can be done through written questions addressed to the other side and answered under oath, as well as requests that documents or physical items be provided in the case. Examples are police reports, photos of the scene of the accident and witness statements. Your lawyer may also conduct a deposition. This is a conversation with witnesses under oath. The deposition is recorded and used as evidence in court. Your lawyer can also provide valuable guidance and advice throughout the legal process. This will help you decide if want to settle out of court or file lawsuits and, if you choose to start a lawsuit to recover damages, what kind of damages you're looking for. They can help you decide the amount you need to seek for past, current and future discomfort and pain medical expenses, as well as lost wages. If you've suffered injuries in a car accident, contact Bruscato Law for assistance. Our car accident lawyers are ready to examine your case and address any questions you have. To get started, schedule your free consultation.