Being in a car accident is a traumatic and stressful experience. You may have injuries that require medical treatment or missed time from work. The damage to your vehicle will likely need repairs. An experienced attorney will protect your rights and make sure you get the compensation you deserve.
Navigating the claims process
Dealing with insurance companies and claims adjusters be confusing and frustrating. There are often many documents and forms to fill out. The insurance company may try to get you to accept a lowball settlement offer quickly just to close the claim. Having a lawyer means you have an advocate on your side. Insurance regulations and claims processes are explained by your attorney. They will handle communicating with insurers and claims adjusters for you.
Determining liability
Accident, liability refers to who was at fault and responsible for causing the collision. There are no black-and-white answers to the issue of liability. The accused of failing to signal or stopping short if you are rear-ended, for example. During the investigation of a car accident, a lawyer examined the cause of the accident. They are police reports, interviewing witnesses, reviewing video footage, and inspecting damaged vehicles.
Documenting your injuries and losses
Insurance companies are going to question your injuries and attempt to minimize their severity. A Oklahoma City Car Accident Lawyer will make sure proper documentation of your injuries and losses is obtained and presented to the insurance company. Your attorney will work with your doctors to get detailed medical records and prognosis reports. If you missed time from work and lost wages because of the accident, your lawyer will gather evidence such as pay stubs and work schedules.
Proving long-term effects
Experience pain or symptoms immediately or realize the full extent of physical therapy or treatments needed. A car accident lawyer has experience demonstrating the long-term effects of car collisions. Your attorney obtained expert opinions and testimony to prove conditions like chronic pain, reduced mobility, PTSD, and future medical needs resulting from the accident. To settle your car accident claim means reaching an agreement with the involved parties or insurance companies regarding compensation for damages and injuries resulting from the accident.
Maximizing compensation for damages
The value of a car accident claim depends on the laws of your state and the scope of damages that be paid out. There are different types of damages victims claim, including:
- Medical expenses like hospital bills, ambulance fees, physical therapy, and prescription medications
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity
- Property damage to your vehicle or other personal items
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment and quality of life
- Disfigurement or physical impairment
- Wrongful death damages if a fatality was involved
A skilled car accident lawyer understands how each type of damage should be valued and will fight to recover full and fair compensation under the law for your losses. It means substantially larger claim payments.
Taking the case to court if needed
If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, a car accident lawyer files a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf. Your attorney understands how to build a compelling case and prove liability and damages before a judge and jury at trial. They are threat of taking a case to court gives your lawyer substantial leverage with insurers during settlement negotiations. An experienced trial attorney is not afraid to take a case through litigation and fight for your rights in court if the insurance company negotiates fairly.
