Why You Should Consult With an Auto Accident Lawyer
Under Florida's no-fault auto insurance laws, your own car policy covers damages to property and injuries, unless the responsible driver is uninsured. It is crucial to speak with an attorney in the event of a car accident prior to making a recorded or a written statement to an insurance company.
If your case is taken to court, oral and written evidence could be used against you. A lawyer who has experience knows how to prepare and present a case in the most favorable light.
Damages
There are two types of damages the victim could receive following a car accident. These are the economic and non-economic. Economic damages are measurable losses that can be easily established. They include medical expenses, lost wages and repair costs for vehicles. Non-economic damages, on the other hand, are much more difficult to quantify. They can include things like suffering and pain as well as loss of enjoyment life and emotional distress.
A skilled lawyer for car accidents can help victims claim their maximum amount of compensation. They can also lobbie to obtain a fair settlement from the insurance company of the driver at the fault. They can also bring the case to trial in the event that the insurance company is unwilling to pay full value.
A competent lawyer for car accidents will ensure that victims are compensated for all their possible expenses and losses. This can be done by collecting the most information possible from the accident scene. They can, for instance capture images of the scene where the accident occurred and collect information from witnesses. This will ensure that the insurance company doesn't attempt to minimize a claim, or reject it completely.
A car accident lawyer can assist victims in calculating their total costs. This includes the cost of both future and previous medical care, as well any costs associated with hiring someone to cook or take care of chores in the event that the victim is incapable of doing these tasks.
Medical bills
Medical bills can quickly add up after a car crash. Even with no fault insurance or a settlement for personal injury lawsuits, those bills won't magically disappear. You need help paying them now, not later.
Luckily, there are two quick ways to get your medical bills paid: your own car insurance and health insurance. In New York, the former is called Med Pay and will cover your first medical expenses following an auto accident regardless of who was at fault. This is typically covered by the state (Medicare) and/or an insurance plan that is private.
It is recommended to visit the doctor after an accident, especially when you're feeling unwell or think your injuries aren't severe. A quick evaluation will ensure that all of your injuries are treated and identified including any internal injuries. Your visit can also result in medical records that could be crucial in the event of a lawsuit.
If you've exhausted both of these options You can then go to the driver responsible's liability policy if the coverage is sufficient to cover any damage. You will still have to pay your own copays and deductibles. Once an agreement is reached with the party responsible you will be compensated for the entire cost of the accident. It's important to keep a log of your expenses and bills.
Lost wages
In addition to medical expenses and property damage, a major car accident could also cause loss of income. It can be very stressful to fulfill your financial obligations if you are unable to work because of a car accident injury. You may need to borrow money from relatives or use savings from your personal account until your case is settled. An experienced New York car accident attorney can examine your case and determine whether you have an appropriate claim for loss of earnings.
In the event of a car accident, a judge can decide to award compensatory damages to compensate you for the amount you could have earned in the event that you weren't injured. Wages, benefits and overtime all fall under the umbrella term "economic damages." The goal of this type of compensation is to get you to the financial position you had prior to the time of the accident.
If you're not working because of your injuries, a judge calculates the amount you've suffered by reading a letter from plaintiff's employer which confirms their salary or hourly wage as well as the length of time they've been absent from work. Other relevant documentation can include bank statements, profit-and-loss accounts and tax returns.
A lawyer who handles auto accident claims compensation for future earnings that could be lost. This is a complicated aspect of your losses that could be difficult to prove and may require the assistance of an expert witness.
Suffering and pain
You may be left with unpaid medical bills, damage to your property, and even loss of income in the event of a severe car accident. Additionally, you may experience psychological and emotional trauma. You may be entitled to compensation for the pain and suffering that you have experienced. A lawyer can help you get the money you deserve.
A lawyer can also help deal with insurance companies. Insurance adjusters are motivated by their own financial interest and will usually try to deny or minimize your claim. An attorney for car accidents will protect you from these tactics and negotiate an equitable settlement for your losses and injuries.
Note all expenses and damage to property that you incur as a result of the accident. Included in this document are the cost of medical bills, estimates for repairs and receipts for items damaged. Photograph your injuries as well as the accident scene. Avoid discussing the incident with anyone other than police officers and medical professionals.
A lawyer can also help you determine who is at fault for the accident. New York is a state that utilizes "comparative negligence" which means that the amount you're awarded for damages will be reduced by the proportion of your fault. In auto accident lawyer fort myers could be a corporation, city or state agency or a sanitation or public transportation company.