how soon should i call a lawyer after an accident

by Zachariah Daniel 8 min read

While that may seem like a lot of time, valuable evidence can be lost or destroyed in just a few weeks. That's why injured accident victims should call an attorney as soon as they are able, even if they're not certain they wish to file a lawsuit.

Full Answer

When should I contact a lawyer after a car accident?

Any delay in contacting a lawyer can have a detrimental effect on your personal injury case, so you should contact a lawyer as soon as you can after an accident. To schedule a free consultation with a St. Louis car accident lawyer, call Page Law today at 314-322-8515 or contact us online.

How do I schedule a free consultation with a car accident attorney?

To schedule a free consultation with a St. Louis car accident lawyer, call Page Law today at 314-322-8515 or contact us online. accident? Contact Page Law 24/7

Are You Like most accident victims not going through this process before?

If you are like most accident victims, you have never gone through this process before. Getting into a motor vehicle accident is something we all try to avoid. You likely have many questions about what to do next, including how long you should wait to contact a lawyer.

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What should you do after a car Crash?

You may be in complete shock after being involved in a car crash, but try to calm yourself down and think clearly. Your first priority should be calling the authorities and seeking medical treatment for your injuries.

When do you need an attorney?

Some people aren’t sure whether they are in need of an attorney after a crash. How can you tell when your case warrants an attorney? If the crash involved any type of serious injury that required a trip to a doctor, you should consult with an attorney about your legal options. Attorneys can also help in cases involving fatalities.

How soon should you contact an attorney?

It’s recommended you contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible following the crash. Why? The at-fault party will immediately notify his insurance company, who will then try to get in touch with you to discuss what happened. You should never give a statement to an insurance company without first contacting an attorney.

What happens if you are hurt in a car accident?

For instance, if you were hurt in a car mishap, the claim would generally protest the other chauffeur’s insurer and not the other motorist. After you have filed the claim with your lawyer’s aid, an insurance coverage adjuster will be appointed to your case.

Can you settle an accident case with your attorney?

But, you will still need to be prepared to submit a lawsuit in case you are unable to reach a settlement with the insurance company.

Do insurance adjusters have your best interests in mind?

It is very important that you let your lawyer manage the negotiations with the insurance adjuster. Insurers do not have your best interests in mind , but your attorney does. He will aggressively work out in your place to make sure that you do decline an unfair settlement.

What to do if you are involved in an accident?

If the accident you were involved in caused any severe injury that required you to go to a doctor, you should consult with a personal injury lawyer about your legal options. Attorneys can also help in accidents that result in fatalities.

What to do if your injuries are not obvious?

Even if your injuries do not seem serious, it is best to have them checked by a doctor in case you have an injury that does not seem obvious. Ensure that you keep any documentation related to your injuries as proof of any expenses accrued as a result of the accident.

Why do you need a personal injury lawyer?

A personal injury lawyer can also help in the event an insurance company is acting in bad faith.

What to do if you are not sure of your rights?

If you need an expert to review anything legal you may be confused about in general. If you generally want to seek advice in settling a claim, you can contact a personal injury lawyer to help you navigate the settlement.

What happens if you don't follow the doctor's instructions?

If you do not follow the doctor’s instructions, an insurance company can argue that your injuries were not as severe as you claimed them to be.

What information do you need to write down when you are in an accident?

You should make sure to write down the other driver’s name, license number, insurance information, and contact information. You should give the other driver your information for their needs too. You can also exchange information with anyone who was a witness to the accident.

Can a personal injury lawyer file a claim?

There is also often a statute of limitations for personal injury claims. This means that you will not be able to file a claim to receive compensation for your injuries or loss after a certain period.

What happens if you get in a car accident?

Being involved in a car accident can be a traumatic experience. Injuries may quickly derail your whole life and can result in lifelong and permanent disabilities. If you have been injured in a car accident, you need an experienced and reputable lawyer on your side from the very beginning. With the help of a lawyer, getting the fair compensation and justice you deserve is not impossible.

What to do if you are not sure if the insurance company is acting in good faith?

You may also seek the advice of a lawyer if you are not sure if the insurer is acting in good faith, stuck in the negotiations, confused about the policies, not sure of the rights, and there is a problem with the accident’s fault.

What happens if you don't have insurance?

In most states, driving without insurance is a crime, and it opens you up to a very long list of liabilities that you will not want to deal with on your own. You can click here to learn more about the penalty for driving without insurance in your state.

Do insurance companies know who is responsible for an accident?

This may be less obvious, but insurance companies need to know who was responsible for an accident before they dish out any compensation for damages and repairs. If you live in a “no fault” state, such as Florida for example, then each driver’s insurance company is going to cover their individual costs, not the other driver (s). In this case, if the damage is small and follow-up medical bills are very low, you might not need a lawyer, even if it isn’t clear who is at fault.

Can you hire a lawyer for car insurance?

It’s understandable to be wary about hiring a lawyer, but almost anywhere you find yourself in the US, liability law can be very complex. Even if you don’t end up going to court, just having a lawyer handle the negotiations with the car insurance company on your behalf will almost always work to your advantage.

What Should You Do After the Accident?

First things first. Don’t panic. The accident itself was terrifying and it’s understandable if you’re still shaken up. However, it’s important to stay alert. There are critical details that you want to make note of and steps that you should take.

What are the Benefits?

There are almost no drawbacks to calling a lawyer. The worst that could happen is the firm decides not to take your case. You’ve wasted a bit of time but your life won’t be severely impacted.

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