No one ever expects to get injured in a serious car accident, and once it happens, staying on top of things can be challenging. That is why it is important to prepare yourself for what is to come, and one of the best ways to do that is to hire an experienced car accident lawyer. When is the best time to do this?
Minor car accidents with some property damage and no injuries might not require an attorney’s help, but handling the aftermath when you have injuries can be overwhelming. A car accident lawyer can jump right on board, taking charge of the investigation right away. This is crucial because evidence can disappear over time. Physical evidence gets washed away by rain, video footage gets overwritten, and people forget what happened and are unable to accurately recall the details.
Another reason to contact an attorney at the earliest opportunity is the experience they have dealing with insurance companies. If you say the wrong thing to a provider, it could be held against you later.
Having an attorney on your side as soon as possible is also important because you might think an initial insurance offer is adequate but it might not be enough. Car accident lawyers can analyze all the evidence and show you a clearer picture of damages. They will help calculate the current costs and project the long-term ones as well. That might include long-term care and lost wages. Non-financial losses, such as reduced mobility and pain and suffering, might also be part of this determination. If you accept an initial lowball insurance offer, your options could be limited if your injuries are more serious than originally thought.
Can a Car Accident Lawyer Determine the Liable Party?
One of a car accident lawyer’s key responsibilities is determining the responsible party, and this requires careful, thorough investigation. All the details will be examined from different angles, and the more solid evidence they find, the stronger the case.
In some car accident cases, there is more than one liable party, and that can make things more challenging. Experienced attorneys know how to look for liable parties and will take steps to help hold them accountable.
Will a Car Accident Lawyer Help Me Get a Better Settlement?
There are never any guarantees when it comes to high settlements, but you have a better chance of getting one when you have a car accident lawyer. Without one, an insurer might pressure you to accept an offer.
Will a Car Accident Lawyer Be Expensive?
Many car accident lawyers work on a contingency basis and offer free initial consultations. This means that you can speak with an attorney at no cost to see if you have a viable case. The lawyer will receive a payment if the case is settled or won.
You can contact several law firms to see which one is the best fit, but have all of your information handy. Here are a few topics to cover when speaking with an attorney:
- Ask about any out-of-pocket fees.
- Ask to see a copy of the contract before signing.
- Find out if the firm has experience with cases similar to yours.
If the attorney you are speaking to is abrupt, unfriendly, or makes you uncomfortable, move on to the next prospect.
How Long Will it Take to Resolve My Case?
Car accident cases take time, so you will need to be patient. It might take a few months or even years. Your car accident lawyer should maintain communications with you during the whole time and be responsive to your concerns. To do your part, be just as available and keep your documents organized. Show up to all of the appointments, follow their instructions, and do not hesitate to answer questions and provide feedback.
What Is the Statute of Limitations?
Even though the statute of limitations for bringing an injury claim following a motor vehicle accident is two years, it makes sense to contact an attorney as soon as possible. You have 30 days to notify your insurance company of the accident, but if you wait several days or weeks, they will likely want to know why you hesitated. With car accidents, time is always of the essence, and there is nothing to lose from scheduling a free consultation.
Contact a Loveland Car Accident Lawyer at Wolterman Law Office Today
It is critical to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible after an accident, especially if severe injuries are involved. For a free consultation, contact a Loveland car accident lawyer at Wolterman Law Office. Call us at 513-488-1135 or complete our online form to get started today. Located in Loveland, Ohio, we serve clients in Hamilton County, Fairfield, Norwood, and Forest Park.