- Car Accidents
A Carrollton car accident lawyer knows that being involved in a car accident is stressful. Accident victims frequently have so many things on their minds – property damage, medical bills, dealing with the other motorists and insurance companies.
Suppose you have been wounded in a car accident or have been in a collision with a careless driver. In that case, the first thing you should do after obtaining medical attention is to consider hiring an attorney to represent you.
When it comes to obtaining compensation following an automobile accident, no legislation says you have to hire an attorney. However, some car accident victims seek legal advice and representation to allow them to focus on their health and recovery. Unfortunately, others fail to and miss the window to commence a personal injury claim.
This article discusses when to get a car accident lawyer. But first, let’s look at what you should do after a crash.
Steps to Take After an Accident in Carrollton
After a motor vehicle collision, take the following steps to maximize your chances of getting maximum compensation.
-
Call 911
Always call 911 to report a car accident. This alerts both police officers and emergency medical personnel. When the police arrive, they will give official documentation of the accident and investigate the scene to identify who is to blame.
-
Gather Evidence
Make a detailed note of what you observed and remembered about the accident. At the crash scene, take photos of your injuries, license plates, vehicle damage, traffic patterns, intersections, or try to obtain video footage.
Also, obtain the names and phone numbers of witnesses. After receiving medical treatment, keep your receipts, obtain a copy of your medical report, and record every out-of-pocket expense.
-
Exchange Contact Information With the Other Driver
Collect the contact information of the other driver. This should include name, insurance, license, and additional important information.
-
Notify Your Insurance Company
After an auto accident, ensure that you notify your insurance company immediately. Your insurance company will contact the other driver’s insurer if they are at fault.
-
Do Not Admit Fault
Make sure you don’t accept any fault. You should also consult an attorney before signing any paperwork, even from the police or your insurance agent.
-
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer
A trained auto accident lawyer will examine the events leading to the accident and build a case for you. Then they will file the claim and negotiate a settlement with the at-fault party’s insurance company.
When Should I Hire a Carrollton Car Accident Lawyer?
Most people delay hiring an attorney until the at-fault driver’s insurance company denies their claim or offers a lowball settlement. Unfortunately, this delay could mean losing out on compensation, especially when the Statute of Limitations has elapsed.
So, the best time to get legal representation is immediately after the accident or when you realize you’re not at fault for the collision. Below are reasons why you shouldn’t delay getting legal counsel.
-
Personal Injury
If the car accident resulted in serious physical injury, you should contact an attorney. However, it’s also crucial to realize that some severe injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries or internal bleeding, aren’t usually apparent at the accident scene.
Spinal injuries like ruptured or herniated discs may appear mild at first, but they can swiftly escalate as more disc material pushes through the tear days after your accident. Many other relatively minor injuries can become life-altering after a collision. A car accident lawyer will examine your medical record and ensure you recover money spent getting treatment.
-
At-Fault Insurance
After a collision, you may have questions concerning your legal rights and compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance. Generally, Georgia is an at-fault car accident state meaning that the party responsible for a collision pays compensation to the victim. A Carrollton car accident lawyer knows how the system works and will guide you on the steps to take.
-
Problem With Uninsured Motorists
Sometimes, the at-fault party in a collision lacks auto liability insurance. Therefore, you may have to rely on uninsured motorist coverage if you have one in such an instance. If you don’t, your attorney will help you file a lawsuit to get the at-fault driver to pay out-of-pocket.
-
Signing Settlements With Insurance Company
Contact an attorney if an insurance company offers you money to settle your claim after an auto accident in Carrollton. Do not agree to a settlement or sign any agreement without first consulting with an experienced attorney. Your case could be worth more than the insurance provider is offering, and a car accident lawyer knows how to evaluate the value.
-
Denied Medical Tests and Referrals to Specialists
Suppose the at-fault party has no insurance coverage, and you have to resort to your uninsured motorist coverage. Your insurance carrier refuses to pay for medical tests and a specialist referral. Then, hire an attorney to ensure your insurance company pays what’s covered in your policy.
-
Filing a Lawsuit
While most personal injury claims settle out of court, there are times you need to file a lawsuit. Common instances are where the at-fault party’s insurer offers you a meager settlement, denies your claim, or you suffer catastrophic injuries. Court action is also the best option when the insurance company employs delay tactics and the Statute of Limitations is about to elapse.
-
Legal Advice
It is perfectly reasonable for you to seek legal guidance to learn about your rights and legal choices after an auto accident. During the consultation, the car accident lawyer will examine the case facts to decide the merits or lack.
A competent lawyer will only take on your case if it has a chance of success. This is primarily because personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means they only get paid if they win.
Benefits of Hiring an Auto Accident Lawyer
It may appear that dealing with the aftermath of a car accident on your own is easier. But hiring a car accident lawyer can make your life and recovery process go more smoothly and protect you from unscrupulous insurance adjusters.
The following are some of the advantages of employing an attorney:
- An attorney will help fill out the necessary paperwork for your claim.
- A lawyer improves your chances of receiving maximum compensation.
- An attorney will thoroughly investigate the car accident and put together all the required evidence.
Hire a Carrollton Car Accident Lawyer for the Best Outcome
If you or a loved one was involved in a crash and require the services of a car accident lawyer, don’t hesitate to contact one. A dedicated personal injury attorney in Carrollton, Georgia, at the Law Office of John B. Jackson is available to help you. Book a free consultation today.
