When Should I Contact An Attorney After An Accident?
Navigating the aftermath of an auto crash can be daunting for accident victims. Despite the extent of personal injury or vehicle damage sustained, it’s in your best interest to notify your attorney of the incident.
But how soon should that be? Can you exit the crash scene and possibly seek medical attention before informing your attorney of the accident?
Read on for insights into the best time to call a lawyer after an automobile accident.
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How Soon Should I Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer After a Car Accident?
When it comes to car accident lawsuits, time is of the essence. Every passing minute can translate into lost evidence or cause potential witnesses to forget crucial information.
Now, there’s no fixed timeline on when to contact a personal injury lawyer after an auto crash. However, the consensus is to call the attorney immediately.
Contacting your Valdosta car accident attorney right away is highly recommended, even if you’re the at-fault party. It should be the first thing you do as soon as you can whisk yourself and other vehicle occupants to safety.
Why Contact A Car Accident Lawyer Immediately?
1. Crash Scene Evidence Compilation
Compiling car accident evidence is an involving task that requires technical assistance.
From analyzing skid marks to assessing the scope of damages and injuries, such information must be documented to solidify your case.
Contacting a car injury lawyer immediately allows them to gather fresh evidence before other motorists tamper with the crash scene.
2. Black Box Evidence Compilation
A vehicle’s black box preserves one of the most critical pieces of evidence after an auto crash. However, the equipment may be partially damaged or tampered with by the other party.
When you contact a car accident lawyer immediately, the attorney will secure the black boxes of the affected vehicles and extract vital information from each device.
Details like driving speed and load capacity can help your lawyer construct a compelling case for compensation.
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3. Collecting Witness Statements
When litigating car accident lawsuits, hard evidence may not always suffice. That’s particularly true if the crash results in no visible vehicle damages or bodily injuries.
To strengthen your case, your car accident attorney may require witness statements.
However, not everyone will hang around the crash scene for long, and those who do may not recollect the events so vividly. So, it’s important to call your lawyer immediately when potential witnesses are available and the details remain fresh in their memories.
4. Establishing the At-fault Party
The idea of evidence compilation after an auto crash is to establish the at-fault party.
Apportioning liability is critical in litigating car accident lawsuits, as it determines if your legal counsel takes an offensive or defensive approach.
If you’re an aggrieved motorist, your attorney will endeavor to negotiate maximum compensation. But if you’re the at-fault party, the lawyer will focus more on mitigating liability.
5. Protection from Underhand Maneuvers by Insurance Companies
Most insurance companies contact car accident victims immediately. The agents may sound genuinely concerned about your plight and even commit to compensating for damages.
However, what you say or don’t say can significantly impact your case. The best practice is to have your car accident lawyer handle all communications on your behalf.
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Other Benefits of Working With a Car Accident Attorney
1. Helping Honor the Statute of Limitation
The statute of limitation is a legal provision dictating the window within which an aggrieved party can file a lawsuit.
Each state maintains its statute of limitation for car accident injuries, varying from a few months to several years.
Auto accident lawyers understand the statutes of limitation in their jurisdictions of practice, allowing them to operate safely within the window.
2. You’re Assured of Professional Services
Car accident lawyers are distinct from other personal injury lawyers in that they specialize in motor vehicle crashes. As the attorney has probably represented multiple clients like you, they understand what it takes to win the case.
Besides, car accident lawyers have mastered the tactics of insurance claims adjusters to hoodwink auto crash victims. They’ll see that you receive the maximum compensation under the circumstances.
Key factors that your car accident lawyer may invoke while negotiating fair compensation include direct economic losses, lost income, emotional trauma, and wrongful death.
3. Representing You in Court
Most car accidents are settled out-of-court.
But if your case makes it to court, your auto accident attorney is responsible for representing your interest.
To make your case, the lawyer will present the collected evidence, challenge any counterevidence, and cross-examine the witnesses.
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Final Word
Car accidents are the daily reality of our streets and freeways. While no one wishes to become involved in an auto crash, there’s a decent chance you could be the following statistic.
Fortunately, it’s reassuring to know that you can tap into professional legal services and accelerate your recovery from motor vehicle ordeals.
An auto accident lawyer can help negotiate fair compensation on your behalf. The attorney will capitalize on relevant insurance laws that apply to motor vehicle coverage and limitations, enabling you to recoup the full financial expenses of the crash.
Besides, a car accident attorney can represent you in court if the matter proceeds to full trial. This provides you with ample time to completely recover from the physical and emotional trauma caused by the crash.
