Do You Need An Attorney After A Car Accident?
Imagine this: you are in a brutal car accident, struck by another vehicle. The pain begins instantly and the degree is severe. So much so, that you can’t go about your daily routines. Fortunately, there are people who want to advocate on your behalf so you can focus on healing! You’re probably wondering “do you need an attorney after a car accident?” Although no law says that you must hire an attorney, this action is pivotal, particularly when seeking compensation after the accident. Many car accident victims get representation so that they can pay attention to what matters. So, while they work on their health and recovery, the experts can pursue legal action. The professionals at the Martindale Law Group are here to break down why this move could be the difference between just getting your current medical bills covered and lifelong care and maintenance for your injuries.
How An Attorney Can Help After A Car Accident
First things first, having a lawyer does not guarantee you a specific outcome for your case. However, they are experienced in what it takes to build a case and collect sufficient evidence. What types of things can they do, exactly? We’re glad you asked! They can help by:
- Investigating the cause of the crash
- Gathering evidence to demonstrate the other driver’s negligence
- Taking care of negotiations with insurers on your behalf
- Collecting photos of the accident scene
- Getting police crash reports
- Obtaining Eyewitness statements
- Getting information from a vehicle’s event data recorder
- Reaching out for medical and work records
- Collecting electronic evidence including cell phone records
- Manufacturer records and recall information
As one may imagine, the processes that they go through can surely take up a lot of time. This is critical time that you may not have. Delegating these efforts can go a long way for your case and the legal process while you prioritize recuperating.
Do You Need An Attorney After A Car Accident To File An Insurance Claim
Choosing to hire an attorney after a car accident depends on your ability to navigate the claims process alone. When you have a car accident, the first step in seeking compensation is to file a claim. This can be with either your own insurance company or the other driver’s insurance. In the worst of situations, the other party may not have insurance coverage or carry a policy that does not fairly cover your losses. In this case, it is in your best interest to have Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM) on your policy. Hiring an attorney after a car accident helps you assess your losses and explore your options through your insurance policy. In this case, at least you get some degree of assistance from your own insurance company. As stated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), hundreds of thousands of car accident injuries are hospitalized. Granted, the severity of your injuries will ultimately decide if you have a case eligible for compensation. Additionally, certain types of car accident injuries may show symptoms several days after an accident. Whiplash may take several days to manifest, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).
Other Reasons You Need An Attorney: To File A Personal Injury Lawsuit
What happens if your losses or injuries still aren’t covered? In the case of an uninsured driver, for example, this is surprisingly common. This is when you may seek further compensation through a personal injury lawsuit against the other driver. It is also important to discern if you believe an insurance company is offering you a settlement that does not fairly cover your losses. In this scenario, filing a personal injury lawsuit may be an option, if it’s within your state’s statute of limitations. Here in Florida, the statute of limitations has recently changed from five years to two years. Having a lawyer also helps you determine the timeline that you have to file a lawsuit and act in order to meet a deadline. Having a personal injury lawsuit requires certain factors to fall into place. These mainly pertain to injuries, losses, and liability. The injuries must be substantial and cause losses. It is important to demonstrate these losses through documentation, such as medical diagnoses and treatments. Establishing fault is the other critical component that you must be able to attribute to the other driver.
How Long You Have To Hire An Attorney After An Accident
In all truth, it is in your best interest to contact a car accident attorney right away. There are three primary reasons for this:
Car Accident Statute of Limitations
Do you like the idea of leaving money on the table? Waiting too long after an accident affects your ability to have a car accident case at all. This is thanks to what’s known as a ‘statute of limitation’ or the length of time you have to go to court and file a lawsuit. In Florida, the statute of limitations is 2 years after the accident. If anyone was injured in the crash — whether a driver, passenger, motorcycle rider, bicyclist, or pedestrian — they must file suit within 2 years of the date of the accident. If someone dies and the family wishes to file for wrongful death, the amount of time is 2 years from the date of death (which may or may not be the date of the car accident.)
Getting Evidence
As we spoke of before, attorneys are experienced in what it takes to build a case and collect sufficient evidence. Time is of the essence here as well because soon after an accident, the evidence starts to decline. This is due to moving vehicles, witnesses moving along and even you forgetting details of the crash. Be sure to solidify your case by gathering as much evidence as possible in the quickest fashion. Waiting only lessens the ability of your law firm to work for you and defend your case.
Help Paying for Treatment and Damages
Who wants to end up paying out of pocket for medical treatment when they don’t have to? No one we’ve ever met! All that brings to you is stress, frustration, and confusion. Going about things in this way may also affect your way of life and capacity to make ends meet. A major benefit in hiring a car accident attorney is helping to get the money you need to pay for medical bills or car losses. In truth, a solid case requires sufficient evidence and if you do not reach out to an attorney, you may not reach an adequate settlement.
Your Orlando Accident Attorneys
Once you are aware and understand what an attorney does, you can see where their help comes in handy. It’s important to remember that accidents happen to everyone! What matters is that you align yourself with an accident group that knows how to handle them with experience, strategy, and tact. If you do find yourself in an accident or legal issue while driving, consult with our Orlando accident attorneys as soon as possible. We provide legal advice, grant insight into issues, represent you in court if needed, and ensure your rights are protected. Drive safely!
The Martindale Law Group
Our personal injury and litigation attorneys help accident victims file claims to recover damages for many types of clients. Some that we specialize in are auto accidents, motorcycle accidents, truck accidents, wrongful death, aircraft accidents, boating accidents, sexual abuse, and brain and spinal cord injuries. Additionally, we provide legal services to the residents of Florida who receive unfair treatment from their insurance companies. It does not matter whether an insurance claim has been denied, delayed, or mishandled. We help our clients obtain the insurance coverage they need to repair their property. Whether an injury by an auto accident, slip-and-fall, or some other incident due to the negligence of others, contact us today. We are more than happy to discuss your case, call now for a free case evaluation.