Many people think that if an accident victim proves fault in court, insurance companies will do everything they can to avoid paying. This is false.
Best Accident Lawyer In Maryland will understand all aspects of an accident and can work hard to ensure you receive a fair settlement. Hiring an attorney is not expensive. Many attorneys offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis.
You Can’t File A Claim
In most states, there are statutes of limitations that determine how long you have to file a lawsuit after a car accident. If the lawyer you contact determines that the statute of limitations has passed, they won’t be able to take on your case. However, there are mitigating circumstances that could extend or suspend the statute of limitations in your case. These are usually specific to your situation and require evaluation by an experienced personal injury attorney.
Most lawyers offer a free initial consultation to discuss the details of your case and how they can help you. They will examine your medical records, accident report, and any other supporting evidence that may be available. They will also work with accident reconstruction experts, eyewitnesses, and other professionals as necessary to put together a compelling argument on your behalf.
A good lawyer will consider your current and future medical treatment costs, loss of wages from missed work, and the emotional impacts that the accident has had on you. They will also factor in the impact of the crash on your lifestyle and quality of life, including hobbies, social activities, and family.
It is possible to recover compensation even if you are partially responsible for a crash. An experienced personal injury attorney will assess your percentage of liability and determine whether you can still recover damages under comparative or contributory negligence laws, depending on the state in which you live.
You Can’t Recover Compensation For Your Injuries
Depending on the nature of your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages. Unfortunately, insurance companies are very skilled at reducing the amount of compensation claimants receive. You must experienced representation to ensure the insurance company and any third parties do not take advantage of you.
If you suffer a severe injury that requires weeks of hospitalization, surgery, extensive physical therapy, and/or months without pay, your medical expenses could run into hundreds of thousands of dollars. Unfortunately, most people do not have personal assets that are large enough to cover such a large sum of money in the event of a serious accident. That is why you need an attorney who understands how to work with insurance companies to obtain the maximum amount of compensation available to you.
Another important consideration when seeking damages is whether or not your injury is permanent. A court must determine if your injury is permanent for you to be eligible to recover damages for your medical expenses, loss of enjoyment of life, and other losses. An experienced lawyer can help you determine the severity of your injury and determine if it is permanent.
In addition, an experienced attorney can assist you with obtaining compensation for the costs of property damage to your vehicle and other personal possessions. This includes the cost of repairing or replacing the items that were damaged in the crash and any loss of value you may have suffered due to damage to those items.
You Can’t Sue Right After The Accident
If you’re injured in a car accident, it’s important to focus on recovery as soon as possible. You should also contact your insurance company to file a claim. Many people choose to do this without a lawyer, but it may be in your best interest to work with an attorney instead.
One of the main reasons to hire an attorney is that insurance companies are businesses, and they have a vested interest in paying out as little as possible. An experienced attorney can help you negotiate a fair settlement.
Another reason to consider a lawsuit is that it allows you to recover compensation for injuries other than medical bills. For example, if you suffer a serious injury that impacts your quality of life, you could be entitled to compensation for lost earnings, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. This is often a significant cost that is not included in the initial estimate of damages provided by the insurer.
It’s also worth mentioning that while the majority of car accidents are covered by insurance, there are some cases where drivers are uninsured or underinsured. In these situations, a lawsuit is often the only way to secure compensation for your injuries.
Some people think they can sue when they want, but the truth is that there are time limits, known as statutes of limitations, that apply to these types of cases. Your attorney will review the statute of limitations in your jurisdiction and help you file your claim within this window. In addition, there are other factors to take into consideration, such as whether the liable party is a government entity, which can have shorter deadlines.
You Don’t Need To Seek Medical Treatment
The day after a long workday, you are driving to the grocery store when you are rear-ended by another driver. The cars are damaged but you feel fine and you decide not to call the police.
This is a bad idea. It’s important to seek medical treatment after an accident, even if you think your injuries are minor. Even if you do not have any apparent symptoms, medical practitioners can help ensure that there are no hidden conditions that may worsen over time and create a documented record that will be valuable in your case should it go to trial.
Additionally, it is important to know that some injuries do not show up until days or weeks after the incident. The adrenaline rush of an accident can dull pain or make it hard to identify, and failing to seek treatment could allow an injury to become more severe.
It is also important to have an attorney on your side when dealing with insurance companies. These are businesses with a vested interest in their bottom line and they will do everything possible to minimize the amount that they pay out on claims. Your accident lawyer will handle all communications with the insurance company on your behalf to protect your rights and interests.
You Can’t Recover Compensation If You’re Partially At Fault
Many people believe they can only file one lawsuit for an accident, and this is not true. Depending on the type of accident, you may be able to file suit against the at-fault party, your own insurance company for your accident benefits, and possibly even your long-term disability insurer. Each of these lawsuits would be different, however, and you may need to have a lawyer representing you in each case.
It’s also important to note that comparative negligence laws vary by state. While some states apply pure comparative fault rules that allow you to recover compensation regardless of how much you’re found at fault for the accident, most states follow modified comparative fault rules where your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, let’s say you are involved in a car accident and the total damages are $10,000. You’re found 20% at fault, meaning you’re responsible for a full $2,000 of your damages. Ultimately, you will receive an award of $8,000.
Whether or not you’re partially at fault for the accident, it is vital to consult with a professional attorney who can assess your case and provide legal guidance based on your specific circumstances. An attorney can also help you liaise with insurance companies and negotiate settlement offers.
It is not uncommon for insurance companies to try to devalue your claim and downplay your injuries, so you mustn’t speak with them until you have an attorney on your side. An experienced accident attorney will know how to respond to these types of tactics and can protect you from being manipulated by insurance adjusters. In addition, an accident attorney can help you pursue a full range of damages that include medical expenses, lost wages, loss of future earning potential, property damage to your vehicle, and non-economic damages such as pain and suffering.
