Getting into a car accident can be a frightening and stressful experience, whether it’s a minor fender bender or an accident resulting in serious injuries. And with more than 6 million accidents, on average, per year in the U.S., your chances of getting into an accident are higher than you may think.
When involved in an accident, especially one in which you have been injured, you should get checked out ASAP. Most insurance companies believe that 72 hours is a reasonable amount of time to seek medical care, but remember: some injuries may not be felt or manifest themselves for hours, days, or even weeks after your accident.
The next thing to do – especially if you suspect negligence on the part of the other driver – is enlist the services of an attorney that specializes in handling personal injury cases. An experienced personal injury attorney will navigate the investigation to determine what happened. They will gather important evidence including:
- Police reports
- Eyewitness statement
- Medical reports from all healthcare professional involved in your treatment
- Records of your hospital visits
- Accident reconstruction
Once all the pertinent evidence is gathered and reviewed thoroughly, your attorney will begin to build a solid case on your behalf, which will demonstrate negligence on the part of the other driver. This is necessary in order for you to get compensation for all expenses associated with the accident.
Let an attorney do the hard work for you
Besides helping to determine who is liable for your accident, it’s to your advantage to let your attorney communicate with the insurance company. Insurance companies are going to do whatever they can to minimize what they pay on your claim. In fact, some insurers will go so far as to deny that you even have a valid claim! The insurance company may convince you to make a statement that is not in your best interest; in fact, it could put your claim of negligence in jeopardy.
Letting a personal injury attorney who has experience working with insurance companies and is familiar with the tactics used by adjusters represent you will be extremely beneficial because:
- Handle all the details of your claim
- Help you prepare a written or verbal statement to the insurance company
- Negotiate with the insurance adjuster
An experienced personal injury attorney is knowledgeable with respect to all of the legal deadlines, such as the statute of limitations, which need to be met in conjunction with your claim. Missing any of these deadlines could affect the success of your case or prevent you from filing a case at all.
Attorneys who are accomplished at handling car accident claims are also trained in the legality of insurance policies and will explain your legal options when it comes to holding insurers accountable.
Start with a phone call
If you’ve been injured in a car accident and need legal assistance, the law firm of Robert F. Brennan & Associates, personal injury attorney in Los Angeles, are experts in handling serious personal injury cases.
Call our office to schedule a free phone consultation.