what steps does a car accident attorney

The Houston car crash attorneys at AK Law Firm will do the following: Investigate your car wreck and identify all liable parties Locate all applicable insurance policies, whether held by you or any other responsible parties Obtain your medical records for our experts to review and to determine your prognosis for recovery

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Where do I go to settle a car accident claim?

Mar 03, 2022 · According to the National Highway Traffic Administration (NHTSA), car accidents happen every 60 seconds, equalling close to 5.25 million accidents across the U.S. every year. A car accident can turn your life upside down, and knowing what to do right after can be unclear. Though a car crash can be disorienting, it is crucial to understand the steps to protect yourself.

How does the car accident settlement process work?

Dec 07, 2020 · A car accident can be a very traumatizing experience, and determining whether you need a car accident lawyer is an important step to ensuring your well-being. Free Consultation: 1-800-674-7854 What We Do

Can a car accident claim be settled without a lawsuit?

Step 5 - Call an attorney. After you've reported your accident to the insurance company, your next call needs to be to a qualified car accident attorney. Even if you think that the accident was minor, you never know what repercussions could pop up, and you need to …

Where to file a car accident lawsuit in Florida?

Aug 06, 2020 · For car accidents, the trial process typically takes 1-2 days. 7. Appeal. Some parties may be able to appeal a decision, and this could add multiple years to the case. This is a general timeline of the car accident lawsuit process, and your case may contain fewer or additional steps. Most car accident cases take roughly a year or longer to complete.

What should I expect from a car accident attorney?

In brief, you should expect your car accident lawyer to be a knowledgeable, compassionate legal professional who answers your questions, helps you understand how car insurance claims work and gives you options for pursuing compensation of your damages. ...

What are the 7 steps to dealing with a car accident?

How to Handle a Car Accident in 7 Easy StepsMove to a safe area (if you can) ... Stop your vehicle and get out. ... Check on others involved. ... Call the police to the scene. ... Gather info. ... Document the scene. ... File your insurance claim.Oct 2, 2018

What are the steps of an injury lawsuit?

Learning the steps involved with a personal injury lawsuit is important for knowing what to expect should you pursue civil litigation in the future.Step One: Consult an Attorney. ... Step Two: Investigating the Accident. ... Step Three: Issuing a Claim for Compensation. ... Step Four: Negotiation. ... Step Five: Taking Your Claim to Court.Oct 16, 2021

How does a car accident affect you mentally?

A major car accident can cause PTSD, extreme anxiety, depression and debilitating phobias. Studies have shown that crash-related mental traumas can have symptoms lasting up to a year after an auto accident, especially for children.

What happens to your body after a car accident?

Many signs and symptoms of injuries like whiplash, concussions, soft tissue injuries and spinal damage may not appear until several hours or days after an accident. During a car accident, your body experiences an adrenaline rush that can mask pain and other symptoms, causing you to believe you aren't injured.

How long does a personal injury claim take to go to court?

Personal injury cases are usually taken to court within 12 months if the case is not settled before it gets to court. When people hear that their personal injury case is “going to court” it can often be a scary thought. But in actual fact only around 5% of personal injury cases end up in court.Jun 7, 2020

Why do lawyers take so long to settle a case?

The reasons a case can progress slowly can be summed up into three general points: Your case is slowed down by legal or factual problems. Your case involves a lot of damages and substantial compensation. You have not reached maximum medical improvement from your injuries (this will be explained below)

How long does a personal injury claim take?

As a very rough guide, a claim may take 6 to 12 months if liability is accepted by the treatment or care provider immediately. If liability is disputed, it could take 12 to 18 months for more complicated claims. Very complex cases can take significantly longer.

How many people are injured in car accidents every year?

According to the CDC, 3 million people are injured in car accidents every year. If you were injured in your accident, not only do you need an attorney but you likely need medical attention.

How many car accidents do adults get in their lifetime?

Studies show that the average adult driver will get in at least 3 car accidents in their lifetime. That means when you get behind the wheel, you should be prepared for the unexpected.

What to do at the scene of an accident?

Step 1 - Make sure everyone is safe. The first thing to do at the scene of an accident is to ensure the safety of all involved. Here are some steps to take: Exit your vehicle if you can, turning on the emergency flashers.

How long does it take for a car accident to show up?

With the exception of serious injuries, most of the common injuries after a car accident do not show up for a while. There are a few reasons for this.

Why do people make mistakes in car accidents?

Because of the emotions and trauma associated with a car accident, many drivers make mistakes that limit their right to get compensation from car insurance companies and other drivers after a car accident. Learn what to do in a car accident and the steps to take after an accident so you can protect your rights.

How long after a car accident do you see a doctor?

However, this is not a good idea. It's crucial that you get a full evaluation done within a few days of your accident so you have the evaluation on record. It's common for people involved in somewhat minor accidents to not notice injury symptoms until a few days, weeks or even months after the accident. With the exception of serious injuries, most of the common injuries after a car accident do not show up for a while.

What insurance is available after a car accident?

Let’s look at a scenario where the accident was not your fault. The other driver’s insurance will cover: Property damage to your car and other property up to the other driver’s policy limit.

Do I need an attorney for a car accident?

In addition, you will need a car accident attorney on hand, even if the insurance company looks as though it will pay for your damages. Remember, insurance companies are looking to pay the least possible amount, and they do not have your best interests in mind.

What does the other driver's insurance cover?

The other driver’s insurance will cover: Property damage to your car and other property up to the other driver’s policy limit. You and your passengers' medical bills and expenses up to their insurance policy’s limit for bodily injury. Your insurance policy will cover:

How soon after a car accident can you call?

Call as soon as you can and, ideally, no later than 48 to 72 hours after the crash. Your policy may have terms requiring you to report accidents within a certain time frame, and compliance with those terms can be helpful for a future claim.

What do police do in a crash?

Police will help the injured and investigate the crash. They’ll also interview witnesses, document important details, and write an official report explaining their findings. The police report can be essential to:

What does it mean to say sorry for a wreck?

Saying “sorry” or taking the blame can both be used to pin the fault for the wreck on you — even if you didn’t cause it. So, avoid that altogether by not apologizing or assuming the blame.

Should you get medical attention immediately after a car crash?

In a serious car wreck, getting emergency medical attention should always be the priority. Whenever possible, however, taking these steps immediately after a crash can go a long way towards protecting a potential claim and your rights to compensation.

What to do when you get into an accident?

When you get into an accident, the steps you take immediately afterward can make or break your case. With diligence, care, and assistance from a qualified attorney, you can significantly improve your chances of obtaining the compensation you deserve. 2. Filing a Claim with Your Insurer.

How long does it take to get a car accident case settled?

Both parties will present their evidence, and the judge will make an ultimate decision. For car accidents, the trial process typically takes 1-2 days.

How long does it take to file a civil lawsuit?

The defendant will typically have one month to respond, and they may respond by filing a motion to dismiss the case.

What happens when you file a claim with your insurance company?

When you file your claim, your insurance company will investigate the accident and make a decision based on the evidence you included. It will likely make a settlement offer, and you can continue to negotiate by making counteroffers and submitting additional evidence. If you accept the insurer’s settlement, you waive your right to file ...

How long does it take to get a discovery?

This process typically takes a few months at the very least .

Can Lam Law Firm help with car accident lawsuits?

We can answer all your questions, address your concerns, and help you understand everything you need to know before making a decision . Our founding attorney has years of experience and looks forward to putting her skills to work for you.

Make Sure Everyone is Okay

Check your self, other passengers in your vehicle for injuries. Be the bigger person and ask others involved in the accident if they’re OK as well. If anyone needs medical assistance, immediately call 911 and ask for an ambulance and the police. It’s generally a good idea to have police respond to an accident.

Remain Calm

Please don’t admit fault, even if you think that you may be partially to blame. Don’t insult or harass the other driver. This can be extremely dangerous. I’ve had clients have guns fired at them for acting upset. If you feel like you might be in danger, call 911 and lock your doors.

Seek Medical Treatment

Even if you don’t feel badly injured, you should seek an evaluation from a medical professional. If you have any headaches, dizziness, or blurred vision, go to the emergency room an tell them that you’re experiencing concussion like symptoms. The sooner you seek medical treatment the better. This is important for both your health and your case.

Start a Journal

It is very important for you to document what happened, what the collision was like, what parts of your body were impacted or injured, and what the other driver said to you. Many of these details will fade in the coming days and weeks.

Contact the DMV

You are required by law to contact the California DMV within 10 days of an accident if there is more than $1,000 in damage to your vehicle, or if someone is injured.

Contact Your Insurance

Call your insurance to inform that you were involved in an accident. It is best to inform them as soon as possible so that they can work on defending you. If you made a recording of the other driver admitting fault, the video will certainly help to further your cause that you were not at fault.

Get an Attorney

I know that most people hate dealing with lawyers, but the only way that you’ll get a fair shake with getting restitution for your injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering is with a good attorney.

Where do you file a car accident lawsuit?

Car accident lawsuits typically are filed in the proper Circuit Court. This court usually will be the one located in the county where the accident occurred or where the negligent driver resides.

What is car accident investigation?

CAR ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION. After you file your personal injury claim with the negligent driver’s insurance provider, the insurance company conducts an investigation of the accident. This is done by an insurance claims adjuster. The investigation involves a review of every piece of evidence that you provide to prove your claim’s validity.

How to settle a personal injury claim?

Experts can provide critical insight to your accident and subsequent damages. This insight can be used to underscore your personal injury claim. Experts whose opinions might be considered during your claim’s settlement process include: 1 Your doctor – The physician can discuss your injuries, treatment and prognosis. 2 An accident reconstruction specialist – This expert can create a digital rendering of your accident, showing how the factors at play led to it. 3 A civil or mechanical engineer – These individuals may be called on when one of the factors at play was a vehicle malfunction or a geographical feature such as a partially complete road construction project.

Who negotiates settlements?

Settlements are negotiated between an attorney and an insurance provider . In fact, some insurance providers will only speak with attorneys, which is why it is important that you work with an attorney who has experience negotiating this type of claim on behalf of his or her clients.

What can an expert do for you?

Experts can provide critical insight to your accident and subsequent damages. This insight can be used to underscore your personal injury claim. Experts whose opinions might be considered during your claim’s settlement process include:

Can you settle a car accident claim without a lawsuit?

Most car accident claims are settled without a lawsuit. Your case could very well be one of them. If your attorney determines that the settlement offer that he or she reaches with the negligent driver’s insurance provider is sufficient for your damages, he or she might suggest that you accept the settlement offer.

What does a lawyer do in court?

Your lawyer can determine if going to court is the right choice for you and your case, and if so, the lawyer will walk you through the next steps involved in your case. The lawyer can explain what to expect during your trial. In brief, both parties appear in court and present their claims to the jury.