According to some of the latest data from the National Safety Council, the total vehicle-related injury costs were an estimated $473.2 billion in 2020 alone. These costs include medical expenses, property damage, wage and productivity losses, and more.
If you’ve been in an accident, it will benefit you to hire auto accident lawyers to help you get compensation for those costs and the damages you’ve suffered. Personal injury lawyers that specialize in auto accidents fight for your rights.
If you’re curious about all of the advantages of hiring one, continue reading to learn more about the process and the next steps to take.
They Handle the Insurance Company
One of the first steps to take after a vehicle accident is to contact the insurance company. Your insurance company provides coverage and makes a payout after an incident, but policy owners often find themselves disappointed or frustrated by the payouts.
Insurance companies claim to be on your side. However, these payouts are often too small to cover all the damages and suffering you’re going through. The issue with handling the insurance company on your own is that you’ll get stuck with a meager payout. Insurance companies are out to make a profit, after all. They’ll look for ways to limit the amount they give you to cover the claim.
In many cases, people may accept the offer simply because they aren’t aware of the claim’s worth. When you work with an auto accident lawyer, they speak to your insurance company on your behalf. They’ll argue for better compensation, as they know how much you deserve after looking at your case.
Auto Accident Lawyers Prove the Extent of Damages
Every minute, roughly thirteen car crashes occur in the United States. You might be a safe and cautious driver, but we can’t always count on the other drivers on the road to act the same. If you’ve been in an accident, you may have suffered severe injuries. Car accidents can result in traumatic brain injuries, fractures, broken bones, and more.
Some wounds and trauma cause lasting complications. Victims that have experienced whiplash, for instance, can continue to have pain for months or years after an accident.
To get compensation, you need proof of your injuries. It’s not always easy to show proof, such as lasting pain from whiplash. Complications from those injuries can often result in lost wages or even loss of employment. An experienced personal injury lawyer will know what documents and records you need to prove your case.
Auto accident lawyers will tell you what you need to do to obtain this proof. You’ll need to tell your doctors and any specialists you visit that you were in a car accident, for instance. You’ll need documentation of your diagnosis and treatments to prove those injuries.
When you’re on your own, you may not think of visiting a doctor after an accident. At the time, it may seem like you’re physically fine. However, it’s crucial to see a doctor in case any injuries, pain, or complications occur later as a result of the collision.
They Gather Evidence
Formal discovery is the process where lawyers gather evidence and exchange information with other parties with the intent of using this evidence during the trial. During this investigative process, your lawyer will pull up documentation, gather facts, collect witness testimonies, and more that prove liability.
Lawyers collect depositions, which are statements given outside the courtroom under oath by an individual involved in the case. Additionally, when you hire an auto accident lawyer, they may take interrogatories, which are written questions.
During discovery, your lawyer collects various documentation, records, accounts, and so on that will support your case. They know how to investigate, what proof will count in the courtroom, and which steps to take to acquire that proof. It’s difficult for a person on their own to understand what evidence they need, let alone how to collect it and prove liability. Evidence lawyers collect includes:
- Medical records
- Medical bills
- Photographs of the scene
- Witness statements
- Testimonies
They Go Back to the Scene
Part of the discovery process involves collecting evidence from the scene of the accident. It’s extremely common for people involved in auto accidents to feel disoriented, uneasy, and distressed afterward. Injuries are often traumatizing and sometimes debilitating, making it difficult to revisit the scene.
Those involved in an accident may not know what to collect as evidence or might not be in the right frame of mind to do so. The best auto accident lawyer is highly efficient, experienced, and also sympathetic. They’ll collect all the evidence they can find from the scene of the accident on your behalf.
However, you can help this part of the case by taking the right steps following an accident. Most importantly, after ensuring everyone is alright, you’ll want to exchange the following information:
- Contact information
- Insurance company name and policy number
- License plate number
- Make and model of the vehicle
- Location of the accident
- Photos of the scene from different angles
Never discuss fault at this time. You might say something that could hurt your case. Another crucial supporting document is the police report.
Your lawyer will take evidence collection one step further by talking to the officers involved in making the report, collecting names and badge numbers, taking names and statements from the parties involved, speaking to witnesses, etc.
They’re on Your Side
When you hire auto accident lawyers, they’re truly on your side. They fight for you by collecting evidence, negotiating with insurance companies, walking you through the process, and more. If it proceeds to a trial, they’ll work to prove your case. Hiring a lawyer ensures you have the best chance of getting the full compensation you deserve. However, it’s vital to contact one as soon as possible.
Here at Promenade Accident Attorneys, we’re ready to represent victims like you. We fight for the rights of individuals harmed in car, truck, motorcycle, and rideshare accidents. Schedule a free consultation to speak with one of our Downey attorneys today.