title=”How can an Injury Lawyer Support Me After an Auto Accident?”
alt=”Insurance adjuster documenting damage to car after an accident”>
If you are injured in a car accident caused by negligence, you need the legal insight an injury lawyer can provide. In some cases, the injuries will manifest themselves long after the incident happened.
Do I Need an Injury Attorney if I’ve Been in a Traffic Collision?
If you are injured in a car accident caused by negligence, you need the legal insight an injury lawyer can provide. Even so-called fender benders are not always as simple as they seem. In some cases, the injuries will manifest themselves long after the incident happened.
This is problematic since once you accept an offer from the insurance company, you can’t go back after you become symptomatic and ask for more. You’re on your own. Your lawyer will intercede and prevent this from happening. Let’s look at the reasons you need a personal injury lawyer.
Dealing With the Other Motorist’s Insurer
After an accident, you may be contacted by the other driver’s insurer. This is often upsetting. The insurance company’s representative might ask many questions about the accident and how you feel. In some cases this might be an honest effort but not always. For instance, the representative might ask how you are feeling. Normally, people are prone to say they are fine. Later on, the insurer may bring this up and insist there was nothing wrong with you.
On other occasions, a natural remark is to say you are sorry the accident happened. That is said in a kind, commensurate way. However, the company may insist that you were apologizing for the accident during the call. Sometimes, they will ask to record your remarks. This is not mandatory and they know it. Bottom line is, that your lawyer can speak to the insurance company representative in your stead.
Evidence Gathering by Your Lawyer
Your attorney or their investigator may return to the scene of the crash. There, they will look for evidence that confirms liability on the defendant’s part. The attorney will look for tire marks, accident debris, and other items. They will also look to see if the trees and other foliage are overgrown, making it difficult to have a clear view of the road. If the government agency in charge of maintenance failed to prevent this from happening, a lawsuit can be filed against the city.
Other evidence can be procured by interviewing witnesses and obtaining surveillance camera data. In addition, accident reconstruction can be done to evaluate the position of the vehicles before, during, and after the traffic collision.
Negotiations
Once your lawyer has gathered the necessary evidence and conferred with physicians to determine the extent of your injuries, and calculated your damages, he/she will build a strong case in your favor. The damages can include lost wages, medical care, pain and suffering, and the loss of affection with your spouse (loss of consortium). In some cases when the defendant displayed egregious acts, a request for punitive damages may be made, which are usually much more than the compensatory award listed above.
The insurance company may refuse to pay for the damages or offer a low-ball settlement. This offer is not done with your well-being in mind. It is using the financial loss you suffered to make you take an inadequate amount. Your attorney will negotiate with the insurer to obtain the damages you deserve. If this does not come to pass, they will take the lawsuit to civil court.
The Roeser Law Firm
At the Roeser Law Firm, we do everything we can to help you receive the compensation you deserve. Call us as soon as possible after the accident at (202) 660-4070, or contact us online to schedule a free case review.
