when should i think about getting a lawyer for an auto accident?

What is PIP insurance?

If you were injured in a car accident, regardless of fault, unless it’s indicated that your health insurance is primary, medical treatment should be paid through your auto insurance via personal injury protection (PIP) coverage.

Is New Jersey a no fault state?

There are several states that have no fault insurance laws which means that every driver has their own car insurance, and you will make a claim with your own insurance company whether or not you were at fault. No-fault coverage should provide benefits for your medical bills and lost wages whether you were at fault or not. New Jersey is a no fault insurance state.

What is the liability determination?

Liability determinations depend on the facts of the accident and also state laws regarding comparative fault and strict liability. You should always speak with a lawyer right away if fault for your accident is not completely straightforward.

How to limit settlement offer?

Insurance companies can use many tactics to limit your settlement offer, including: Claim you didn’t pay your premiums or that your policy had lapsed. State that your coverage doesn’t apply to this accident and your losses. Question liability for the accident to reduce your settlement.

How many people died in traffic crashes in Texas in one year?

While a serious accident can alter your life, some accident victims aren’t fortunate enough to survive the crash. In one year in Texas, 3,721 persons died in traffic crashes, and more than 34,400 died across the United States. The tragic reality is that you can lose a loved one in a crash anytime they are on the road.

How to delay a claim?

Offer you much less than your claim is worth and make it seem like this is your only option. Delay your claim so long that you are willing to accept any amount just to get a check in your hand. Repeatedly request excessive documentation and evidence. Deny your claim outright without a reasonable explanation.

Can insurance companies take advantage of unrepresented car accident victims?

Insurance companies and defendants’ attorneys will certainly try to take advantage of an unrepresented car accident victim, and they will do everything they can to intimidate you and get you to accept a settlement that is far below what you deserve.

Do car accident attorneys exist?

However, there is a reason that car accident attorneys exist, and it’s that they can often greatly improve the outcome of a car accident case. Whether someone else was at fault for your crash or you need to file a claim with your own insurance, it is always worth it to discuss how a lawyer can help you. A discussion with an attorney does NOT mean ...

When the adverse party has legal representation, do you want your own lawyer?

When the adverse party has legal representation, you certainly want your own legal advocate. Pushing forward without representation is just asking for the defendant’s lawyer to intimidate you and take advantage of your lack of legal expertise. This is a time you should never wait to call a lawyer.

Why do people get an attorney for car accidents?

Victims can greatly benefit when they get an attorney for a car accident because they can get advice on who pays for what and which insurance company bills should be submitted to first.

How long does it take to file a bus crash lawsuit?

Notice of claims for uninsured motorist coverage after a hit-and-run crash must frequently be made within 30 days of the crash. Underinsured motorist coverage often has the same requirement.

What happens if you don't know about car accident?

Most victims don’t know or aren’t aware of them and if the loopholes are not dealt with properly, then victims could be denied the benefits and compensation they are entitled to. Many of these loopholes take the form of “notice” requirements which is why it is important to know when to get an attorney after a car accident.

Why do they call you to settle a car accident?

They are calling you to try to settle because they know it will save them money. If there is any question as to who is at fault or who caused the crash. The police report isn’t always accurate. You should get an attorney after a car accident immediately if there’s any disagreement regarding who is at fault in causing a crash.

Is it too soon to hire an attorney in Michigan?

Well, it is never too soon to hire one. Notice that I said “in Michigan.”. That’s an important distinction because in most states you don’t need to hire an attorney after a car accident right away. But in Michigan if you have been injured in a motor vehicle collision, you have some very important legal rights that people in other states do not have.

Is it too soon to get an attorney for a car accident in Michigan?

That’s why it’s never too soon to get an attorney after a car accident in Michigan. An automobile crash victim needs someone who is on their side, someone who will help them, protect them, and explain the law to them.

What to do if you get injured by another driver?

If the accident was the other driver’s fault, you would contact the other driver’s insurance company to make a claim, just like you would in your state. If you need immediate medical treatment, you should go to the emergency room wherever the accident happened. You should then see your own doctor as soon as you get home, to get the right course of treatment set up.

Where are personal injury lawyers licensed?

If the accident happened just across the border from your home state, you’ll find that many personal injury lawyers are licensed (i.e., admitted to the bar) in neighboring states, especially in the northeastern U.S.

What happens when a plaintiff faces multiple defendants in a lawsuit?

When a plaintiff faces multiple defendants in a lawsuit, the comparative negligence statute will still apply ; the plaintiff’s fault percentage may not exceed the combined fault of the defendants. If the jury deems one defendant 25% at fault and the other 25% at fault, then the plaintiff’s fault would not exceed their combined fault and ...

Why do at fault drivers hire an attorney?

An at-fault driver will want to hire an attorney to minimize his or her liability and potentially prove the plaintiff’s fault in the matter.

What is the purpose of a preliminary investigation in a police report?

The police will conduct a preliminary investigation and include their findings in a police report and then clean the accident scene to restore the flow of traffic. This means a plaintiff could potentially lose valuable physical evidence.

Can you determine fault immediately after an accident?

A car accident can happen extremely quickly, and it may be difficult to determine fault immediately after an accident. If a driver suffers severe injuries and requires ambulance transportation, it is unlikely he or she will be able to secure any evidence immediately after the crash, such as the other drivers’ contact information ...

Can a lawyer subpoena a traffic camera?

For example, if a traffic camera recorded the intersection where an accident occurred, your attorney could subpoena the traffic camera footage for use in the trial. Your attorney will likely also interview any witnesses who saw the crash and help corroborate your version of events.

What happens if you don't have evidence?

A lack of evidence can doom your case, or at least leave you with a settlement that doesn't cover your losses. (Use this Checklist of Records to Gather After a Car Accident .)

What to do if your offer is less than your goal amount?

If the offer is less than your goal amount, you have to decide whether to invest the time and expense of going to court to try to get more. If the offer is far less than you think is reasonable, you should probably reject it and go to court.

Can you negotiate settlement in a car accident?

No. Settlement negotiations in a car accident claim are much like the back-and-forth negotiation system that most car dealerships still use. (In fact, don't be surprised if, during the negotiations, the adjuster tells you she has to speak to her manager, just like a car salesman might.)

Can you mention settlement negotiations?

You can't mention settlement negotiations at all. Keep in mind that the adjuster doesn't know for sure what will happen if you take your case to court, any more than you do. However, you should give some consideration to the arguments and to the evaluation of the insurance company in deciding whether to settle.