Any driver violating traffic rules right before the accident can be responsible for causing the accident. This could be running a red light, turning without signaling, or any other violation.
The statements of those who have witnessed the accident scene can further help find out exactly who has been at fault. Often, it is the vehicle's fault immediately behind who may have failed to step on their brakes in time.
Professional help is always better when gathering information regarding the liable party in a car accident case. The records of the police, the witnesses, the drivers’ statements are vital in figuring out who is at fault. Contacting an attorney immediately after you or a loved one has been in an accident can help you avoid a great deal of stress and help you find out how to proceed further with the case.
When you are in a car accident and suffer due to someone else’s negligence, you are entitled to monetary compensation for the damages you incur. However, narrowing down the settlement to a specific amount is dependent on several factors, of which the most crucial factor is the damages incurred.
Damages is a blanket term used to describe all the financial, mental, emotional, and physical suffering the accident victim went through. Based on the definition, damages are divided into two categories:
Anything that has led to you shelling out money from your pocket to cover damages is included under monetary damage.
These can include:
Non-economic damage refers to the damage that has been caused emotionally rather than financially owing to the accident. It also includes long-term suffering that is not necessarily economic. The non-economic damages covered under a car accident settlement include:
For the injured party in a car accident, filing a car accident claim is the first step to receive compensation for the expenses incurred as well as the agony caused owing to the accident. The liable party's insurance provider investigates to review all the evidence submitted to prove your claim regarding the accident.
The evidence submitted may include:
While a person involved in a car accident has the liberty to file a lawsuit or defend one, there is a maximum time limit by law within which the legal proceedings have to be initiated by the parties involved. This limit is called the statute of limitations. The statute of limitations varies from state to state.
Here is where your lawyer can help you out. While many believe they have more than a year to hire a lawyer, it is advised that you contact your attorney immediately after the accident or as soon as you can. By doing so, you can avoid being in situations that can turn the tables against you in court.
Consulting with a car accident lawyer at the earliest can help you determine how you can go about the case to claim compensation for your suffered damage.
One of the most common questions people often ask is whether hiring a car accident lawyer is worth the money? The answer to this question is always yes! Contrary to what most believe, hiring a lawyer can help simplify the process of getting a compensation claim processed rather than complicating it. People often avoid involving legal help due to the belief that it lengthens the process.
However, in cases where there has been an injury resulting in disfiguration or causing a limitation to the functioning of an organ, or even disability, the compensation due to the injured party can be maximized with the help of a personal injury lawyer or a car accident attorney.
Other reasons to hire a car accident attorney include speedy recovery of compensation that covers the damages you incurred.
While hiring a car accident attorney to help you with your case is crucial, it is also essential to hire the right one. The lawyer you hire will represent you in laying down the facts regarding the accident and help you get recompensed for the physical and mental strain you have been through due to the mishap. Therefore, the right lawyer is key to ensuring that the burden on you is lessened significantly.
But how will you determine if the lawyer is right for you? Is there a way to distinguish a good lawyer from a great one? Here’s what you need to do:
Lawyers often offer free consultations or assessments of cases to help you understand the possible outcomes. You can use the free consultation to determine if the lawyer is right for you by getting as much information as you can about the lawyers, their methods of practice, and more.
Ask the lawyer about the kind of cases they have worked on before and how they have managed car accident cases in the past. Find out their experience by asking them all the questions you need to
This is one of the most important checklists while hiring an attorney. There is always a chance of conflict arising if you disagree on the fee that the attorney is likely to charge you. So make sure you find out all there is to know right before you hire the lawyer.
It is always advised that you meet more than just one lawyer to take a more informed decision. By comparing, you will have a better idea of which lawyer would best suit you.
A few states allow the general public to view reports on the lawyers that include any disciplinary action taken against them. You can also find out more by contacting the organization that the lawyer is associated with.
Different lawyers may charge different amounts as their fees. However, most follow a similar fee structure. Here’s what your lawyer will charge you for:
