There is no time to waste hiring an attorney after a car accident. The sooner they are retained the more likely evidence is preserved, and the case can be won.
Berry Law car accident lawyers have seen firsthand what happens when people wait too long to get an attorney involved.
This learning resource explains when it is appropriate to hire an attorney after a collision and the potential consequences of waiting too long.
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What Types of Car Accidents Should I Call an Attorney About?
Any accident that causes serious injury or death warrants hiring an attorney immediately, including but not limited to:
- Rear-end collisions: These often seem minor at first, but the truth is that they may have severe and long-term consequences. An attorney can help navigate the legal process and get proper compensation for damages and losses.
- Side-impact collisions: Drivers often disagree on who was at fault in these types of accidents. An attorney can help gather evidence and prove liability.
- Head-on collisions: These are some of the most dangerous types of car accidents and often result in catastrophic injuries or death. An attorney can help seek damages from the at-fault party.
- Rollover accidents: These are particularly complicated cases and usually involve multiple parties, such as manufacturers, road authorities, and other drivers. An experienced attorney can handle these complex cases and ensure maximum compensation is awarded in a settlement.
- Hit-and-run accidents: If the driver flees the scene after causing an accident, it’s essential to have an attorney to help track down the responsible party and hold them accountable.
- Accidents involving commercial vehicles: These cases involve complex regulations and insurance policies that can be difficult to navigate without the help of an attorney who is well-versed in this area of law.
These examples represent the most common types of car accidents a lawyer can help with. However, these are far from the only ones.
By contacting a personal injury law firm as soon as possible after the incident, injured parties can ensure their right to compensation is protected.
Why Should I Hire an Attorney Right After an Accident?
To meet filing deadlines on time
After an accident, there is a lot to do, including meeting filing deadlines for initiating a personal injury claim.
Unfortunately for injured parties, these filing deadlines vary wildly across each state.
Nebraska typically allows 4 years to file a personal injury lawsuit. Iowa has a shorter deadline, only giving accident survivors 2 years to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, both Nebraska and Iowa have exceptions to these general deadlines. That’s why it’s important to contact an experienced personal injury attorney right away to ensure all deadlines are protected.
To fill out the paperwork correctly
Filing a personal injury claim requires significant paperwork, including medical records, police reports, and insurance forms.
An attorney can help ensure all the necessary documents are completed correctly and submitted on time to avoid any delays or potential issues with the case.
To gather evidence and build a strong case
Immediately after an accident, important evidence may be lost or destroyed if not properly preserved, including but not limited to:
- Skid marks and vehicle damage
- Witness statements and contact information
- Photos and videos from the accident scene
By enlisting an experienced car accident lawyer immediately after a collision, injured parties can ensure that all relevant evidence is collected and preserved. This will greatly strengthen their case and increase their chances of receiving maximum compensation.
To get a clear idea of the damages
Car accidents can result in various types of injuries, including but not limited to:
- Whiplash
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
An experienced attorney can help determine the extent of these injuries and calculate the potential economic and non-economic damages, such as medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and loss of future earning capacity.
To counter insurance company tactics
Insurance companies often try to minimize the amount they have to pay out by using various tactics, such as offering lowball settlements or delaying the process.
By involving an attorney sooner rather than later in the process, injured parties can avoid the insurance company’s tactics and ensure they receive proper compensation for injuries.
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What is the Process of a Car Accident Claim?
Knowing what to expect can help accident survivors make the right choices with the help of an experienced lawyer. Generally, the personal injury claims process after an accident includes:
- Initial Consultation: The first step is to schedule an initial consultation with a personal injury attorney to discuss the details of the accident and any injuries sustained. During this meeting, the attorney will also explain the legal process and answer any client questions.
- Investigation: After being hired, the attorney will begin gathering evidence, reviewing medical records and insurance policies, and communicating with witnesses to build a strong case.
- Negotiation: Once all evidence has been collected, the attorney will negotiate with insurance companies on behalf of their client in an effort to reach an appropriate settlement.
- Litigation: If a reasonable settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, the case may go to trial, where an experienced attorney will present the evidence and argue for proper compensation on behalf of their client.
- Settlement: In most cases, a settlement can be reached through negotiation. If so, the attorney will review the terms and guide the client through accepting or rejecting the offer.
- Awarded Compensation: If a settlement is accepted or won at trial, the injured party will receive their awarded compensation for damages such as medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
This process can vary depending on the specifics of each case. However, having an experienced attorney throughout the process can help ensure a smooth and successful outcome.
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What Compensation Can A Lawyer Help Recover After a Car Crash?
An experienced car accident lawyer can help recover compensation for economic and non-economic damages that may include:
- Current and future medical expenses, which are considered economic damages and usually include hospital bills, doctor visits, surgeries, and ongoing treatment or rehabilitation.
- Lost wages due to time off work for injuries sustained in the accident.
- Loss of future earning capacity if the injuries prevent the injured party from returning to their previous job or result in a decreased ability to earn income.
- Pain and suffering experienced as a result of the accident is considered a non-economic damage and can be difficult to quantify. However, an experienced attorney will know how to properly calculate this type of compensation.
- Funeral and burial expenses in the event the accident caused the death of a loved one
- Loss of consortium, which is compensation for the impact of the injuries on personal relationships and companionship.
Hire A Car Accident Attorney From Berry Law After a Car Accident
Berry Law has a long track record of successfully handling car accident cases and securing maximum compensation for injured clients.
With a team of experienced personal injury attorneys who understand the complexities of personal injury law, Berry Law is well-positioned for residents of Nebraska and Iowa to trust them with their cases.
Schedule a confidential case evaluation online to learn more about how our experienced legal professionals can help after a car accident.
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