Damaged and Injured: When to Contact a Car Accident Injury Lawyer
Over $11 million worth of car accident injuries and damages occur in the United States each year. Often, victims of car accidents are left to cope with mounting medical bills and costs in the aftermath. The at-fault driver's insurance company should cover those costs. But insurance companies will make every effort to avoid paying victims what they owe. When that happens, the financial damage falls on the shoulders of the victim. At the same time, the victim might be out of work healing and recovering from their injuries. This is just one circumstance when hiring a car accident injury lawyer can help.
The sooner you hire a lawyer, the more effectively they will be able to resolve your case. In this article, you'll learn all of the conditions under which it is in your best interest to seek legal help after a car accident injury.
When You Get a Low Settlement Offer
Insurance companies are known for doing everything in their power to pay victims as little as they possibly can. It is very common for insurance companies to rush the claims process and churn out a lowball settlement offer. You might get a call just a few days after the accident with an offer that represents the minimum amount insurance thinks they will get away with paying.
Without the help of a lawyer, many claimants will take the payout, thinking they can't do better. Accepting an initial offer can be detrimental to your claim. A lawyer will talk to the insurance company on your behalf and negotiate a better settlement, as long as you have not already accepted a settlement offer.
It is likely you will be blocked from pursuing further compensation once you accept an offer from insurance. This can be a big problem if your injuries worsen, new injuries turn up, or you require more rehabilitation than previously anticipated. It is always in your best interest to talk to a lawyer before you accept a settlement offer.
When You Have Sustained Serious Injuries
If you are experiencing physical pain after a car accident, it is important to get checked out by a medical provider. Even a minor car accident can cause damage to the neck and spine.
There are also serious injuries that can take a while to show up. So it is important to err on the side of caution and get a physical exam immediately following an accident. Prolonged physical pain can be a sign of more serious injuries. These injuries could be spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, or even amputations.
Serious injuries require extended medical treatments. They also rack up more significant medical bills. If you're out of work due to your injuries, you don't have the income to help pay for the treatments you need to get better. Once your medical provider confirms you have sustained serious injuries, you should get in touch with a car accident injury lawyer.
Unsure of the Statute of Limitations
Each state has a statute of limitations that determines how long after an accident a victim can sue for personal injury. Typically, the statute of limitations is two years from the date the injury occurred or you become aware of the injury.
Your car accident injury lawyer will be well-versed in personal injury law. They will make sure you file your claim on time. Car accident lawyers excel in navigating complicated claims processes for serious injuries. They will gather the necessary documentation and evidence to prove the extent of your injuries.
A lawyer will make sure you get compensated fairly for your injuries. That means getting you a settlement that covers your medical expenses, loss of wages, rehabilitation, and any other expenses resulting from the injury.
When Insurance Denies Your Claim
Finding out that the insurance company denied your claim can turn your world upside down. Suddenly you're faced with managing your recovery in addition to figuring out how to pay your medical bills.
Most people simply can't afford to do this, whether they are gainfully employed or out of work. A car accident injury lawyer can help you dispute your denied claim and negotiate a more appropriate resolution.
There are a few different reasons an insurance company might deny your claim. It could be that they don't feel there is sufficient proof that the driver they insure caused the accident. The insurance company might try to blame you for the accident. They might also try to place the responsibility on a third party.
Before Calling Your Insurance Company
Many car accident victims don't realize they can consult a car accident injury lawyer before talking to an insurance company. When injured parties talk to insurance companies first, they often get taken advantage of.
It is actually in your best interest to discuss your situation with a car accident injury lawyer first. That way they can communicate with the insurance companies on your behalf.
Your car accident injury lawyer will investigate the claim independently from the insurance company. They can appeal your claim and dispute any less than fair settlement offers.
Get in Touch With a Car Accident Injury Lawyer Today
The aftermath of a car accident can be devastating. You're forced to juggle recovery, lost wages, and growing medical bills. Insurance should cover these costs for you, but it doesn't always work out that way.
A car accident injury lawyer will provide legal expertise, gather evidence, and negotiate with insurance to get you a fair settlement. Contact Sycamore Accident Lawyers to schedule your free consultation today.