A car accident is something that motorists hope they will never experience. You might have never been in a car accident before, and knowing what steps to take and why hiring a personal injury attorney is a good idea is necessary. A legal professional will inform you of your rights and answer any questions. Then, you'll be able to begin filing a legal claim.
What to Do After Your Car Accident
Before contacting a personal injury attorney, there are several things you should do immediately after the accident:
After you have covered all your bases, contacting a personal injury attorney for a free consultation is a good idea.
How Your Attorney Will Prepare You
Your attorney will explain the process of filing a claim with the at-fault driver's insurance provider and the evidence you'll need to obtain. They will also explain all the documents you need to file a claim.
It's essential to assemble all your medical documents, car repair bills, paycheck stubs, and anything else you can use to confirm the damages you have suffered. You might be surprised at how many records you will need. They are all essential, so you can maximize the compensation you receive.
Make sure to ask your attorney how long your case will take, which depends on the complexity of your case, whether you would like to accept an initial settlement offer made by the insurance provider, and the willingness of the insurance provider to settle.
How to Seek Compensation for Your Injuries
You should settle your case out of court because it is quicker and less expensive for all parties involved. Your attorney will explain what happens if your case goes to trial. However, they will usually try to settle the case first.
However, there are some cases where a settlement is not possible. For example, the at-fault driver might not carry auto insurance, and you might consider it worthwhile to sue the driver directly.
When to Go to Court
While settlements are preferable overall, there are some advantages to filing a lawsuit. For example, through the discovery process, the at-fault party might be forced to reveal information that could help your case. But it's always a good idea to consult with an attorney before taking legal action.
Contact a local law firm, such as Smith Law Firm, LLC, to learn more.