Why you need a serious injury lawyer after a car accident

Around 38,000 people are killed in auto accidents annually, with the average insurance settlement taking nearly 11 months to complete. In short, if you’re one of the thousands of people who get into a car accident, it’s a stressful experience regardless of the aftermath.

Being in a car accident can be a traumatic experience, and navigating the aftermath, from paperwork to medical bills, can be overwhelming. Adding to the stress, you may struggle with insurance companies wanting to pay as little as possible.

In these situations, having an experienced serious injury lawyer on your side is essential—they ensure you get the settlement you deserve and the peace of mind that your case has been handled competently.

This guide will explore why having a lawyer after a car accident is important. By the end, you’ll understand what these types of lawyers can do for you and how to choose the best lawyer for your case.

What to Do After a Car Accident

Immediately after a car accident, the most important thing to do is check for injuries. Don’t get up and try to walk out of the car. Instead, take a few seconds to calm down (if possible), and check your body for signs of physical injuries.

Internal injuries that aren’t visible can sometimes lead to issues later down the road, so it’s important to get out of the car with caution. Let the adrenaline rush pass, and then follow the tips below.

Get to Safety

Getting to safety after a car accident is crucial because it helps protect you and others from further injuries. Staying in or near the car can put you at risk of being hit by another vehicle or debris. So, once the coast is clear, move off to the shoulder or a nearby patch of grass.

Call the Police

It’s important to call the police after being in a car accident for several reasons. Namely, the police can help document the accident scene, provide medical assistance if needed, and help sort out who is at fault.

Additionally, they can provide an objective third-party opinion which can be used to settle any disputes that may arise. In short, calling the police after a car accident is essential for protecting your rights and ensuring everyone is safe.

Take Photos

It is important to take photos after a car accident as they can provide evidence of the vehicle damage. They’re also important so your insurance company can understand the accident scene accurately.

Plus, photos can help you remember details that may be difficult to recall later on, such as the position of the vehicles and any skid marks. Broken traffic lights, lighting conditions, and more are also visible in some photos.

Overall, photos can help insurance companies determine who was at fault for the accident and how much compensation should be given. This can save you a lot of time, money, and stress.

Look for Witnesses

Looking for witnesses after a car accident is essential because they can provide critical information about what happened.

Witnesses can help determine who was at fault, and their testimony can be used as evidence in court. Without witnesses, proving who caused the accident may be challenging, leading to difficulties in insurance claims and legal proceedings.

Record an audio or voice message of anyone who saw the accident occur while you’re waiting for the authorities to arrive. Ensure you have their name and phone number if you need to contact them again.

Gather Information

Speaking of getting peoples’ names and numbers, gathering information after being in a car accident is crucial because it can help you get the compensation you need to cover:

Medical bills Car repairs Any other expenses related to the accident

This information includes the other driver’s name, contact information, and insurance details. It also includes any witness statements and photos of the damage.

What Is a Serious Injury Lawyer?

Serious injury lawyers specialize in helping victims of accidents, medical malpractice, and other incidents where someone has been seriously injured.

These lawyers have extensive knowledge of personal injury law and use that expertise to help clients navigate complex legal processes to get financial compensation for their injuries. Some common types of cases that serious injury lawyers take on include:

Car accidents Pedestrian accidents Slips and falls Medical malpractice Construction accidents Wrongful death

Suppose you have been in a car accident. In that case, a serious injury lawyer can help you by negotiating with insurance companies, gathering evidence to support your case, and representing you in court if necessary.

They can also help you recover financial compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other expenses related to your injury. Overall, serious injury lawyers are an important resource for people seriously injured due to someone else’s negligence.

They can provide legal guidance and support throughout the entire process. This helps you get the compensation you deserve and allows you to focus on your physical and emotional recovery.

Benefits of a Serious Injury Lawyer in Car Accident Cases

Aside from having someone on your side to fight for your legal rights, hiring a serious injury lawyer has several benefits. Whether you’re filing an insurance claim against another driver or need help after a pedestrian accident, here are some benefits.

Collect Evidence

A serious injury lawyer can assist you in collecting evidence after a car accident by gathering information and documentation that may support your case. This may include evidence such as:

Accident reports Medical records Witness statements Photographs of the scene

A lawyer can also gather evidence from the other party, such as photos or video from the other driver’s dashboard camera or GPS data.

These types of evidence can help establish liability and damages and support your case for compensation. Working with a lawyer this way can help ensure you have a strong case and maximize your chances of receiving fair compensation for your injuries.

Evaluate Damages

A serious injury lawyer can also help you evaluate damages after a car accident. They will analyze the severity of the injuries sustained and the resulting damages. They will consider medical bills, lost wages, and other financial losses resulting from the injuries sustained in the accident.

This evaluation can be helpful because it gives you, as the victim, a clear idea of the compensation you may receive in a car accident settlement or lawsuit. Furthermore, it can provide a basis for negotiating with insurance companies and other parties involved in the accident.

Overall, having an experienced lawyer who understands the law and can help you navigate legal procedures is essential in these situations. It’s difficult to assess damages independently because you don’t understand the law.

Legal Knowledge

Hiring a serious injury lawyer after a car accident is essential as they have extensive expertise in laws and car accidents. They can construct a compelling case and represent their client in court. Moreover, the lawyer can:

Analyze the information from the accident Investigate the case Ensure you receive fair compensation for any damage or injury

This is helpful as it can assist in navigating complex legal procedures. Overall, it ensures you receive the necessary help you need (whether financial or emotional) while simultaneously providing you with some relief.

Skilled Negotiator

Lawyers understand more than the law. They also often have extensive experience negotiating with insurance companies. They will work to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages. The lawyer will use their legal knowledge to ensure the insurance company doesn’t take advantage of you by using their tactics to minimize the settlement amount.

Contingency Plan

Car accident cases aren’t always straightforward. Sometimes they involve complex evidence and court testimonials. If that’s your case, you’ll want to have a contingency plan in place.

A contingency plan can prevent you from being blindsided by unexpected outcomes and expenses related to the case. A lawyer can also help you navigate the legal system and explain the steps involved in your case, making the entire process less daunting.

They can represent you in court, fight for your rights, ensure you get the compensation you deserve, and protect you from legal repercussions. This is part of forming a solid case and legal strategy for success.

Court Representation

Finally, hiring a serious injury lawyer means you’ll have someone to represent you in court. With their knowledge and expertise, they can work to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve for any medical bills, lost wages, or other damages resulting from the accident.

This also means you don’t have to develop a verbal case in your defence. You don’t have to speak in court on your own behalf or worry about defending your rights. Instead, you can entrust that to a professional with experience in personal injury cases like yours.

When to Hire a Lawyer

Are you unsure whether hiring a lawyer is right for your case? Here are four situations where hiring a serious injury lawyer can be most beneficial.

Insurance Claim

Hiring a personal injury lawyer can help you navigate the complex insurance claims process. They can help you:

Collect and preserve evidence Negotiate with insurance adjusters to get the compensation you deserve Help you understand your legal rights and options

In addition, a skilled serious injury lawyer can help improve your legal outcome by advocating on your behalf. They know what documents to file and which arguments to make to ensure you receive the justice and compensation you’re entitled to.

Disputed Fault

If your car accident case involves a disputed fault, hiring a serious injury lawyer is wise. A serious injury lawyer can be a valuable advocate in these situations. With their expertise in personal injury law, they can assess the circumstances of your case and guide the best course of action.

They can also investigate the accident and gather evidence to support your claim, including witness statements, police reports, and medical records. Hiring a car accident lawyer can increase your chances of receiving fair compensation for your car accident injuries and damages.

Wrongful Death

Losing a loved one in a car accident is a deeply traumatic experience nobody should go through. In addition to the emotional toll, it can financially devastate the surviving family members. This is where a wrongful death lawyer can be instrumental in helping you seek justice and compensation for your loss.

A wrongful death lawyer can provide legal representation for the deceased’s estate and surviving family members. They have extensive knowledge of wrongful death laws and can guide you through the legal process.

They can also:

Investigate the facts of the case Obtain evidence Interview witnesses to build a strong case for the deceased and their family

In wrongful death cases, compensation can be awarded for various damages, such as medical bills, funeral expenses, lost wages, and emotional pain and suffering. A wrongful death lawyer can work tirelessly to ensure you receive the maximum compensation you deserve.

Find the Right Serious Injury Lawyer

Finding the right serious injury lawyer is crucial if you’ve been involved in a car accident that resulted in serious injuries. What should you look for, though? Look for an attorney with a track record of success in handling cases similar to yours. Consider their experience, credentials, and communication style.

You may also want to read reviews and testimonials from previous clients. Don’t be afraid to schedule consultations with several lawyers to find the right fit for your needs. Remember, a skilled and experienced lawyer can make all the difference in the outcome of your case.

If you’re still unsure what to look for, we have a guide just for you. Read this article on How to Choose a Personal Injury Lawyer for more guidance.

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