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May 12, 2022 · It's best to contact a car accident lawyer as soon as possible while the evidence of fault is still readily available. Negotiate With Insurance Companies After your accident, you will probably receive phone calls from the other party's auto insurance company.
(Get the basics on fault for a car accident.) An attorney will also be familiar with time limits (called statutes of limitations) that can bar you from filing a lawsuit against the at-fault driver. For instance, in many states you must file your lawsuit within two years of your car accident, or you'll lose the right to take the matter to court.
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Although it’s never too late to call, there are definite advantages to speaking with an attorney soon after an accident. Your lawyer is the only person in the car accident settlement process who …
If you are at fault for an accident and the other driver decides to sue you, you will need a lawyer to defend you. In this case, it is likely that your auto insurance company will provide a car accident attorney for you, but keep in mind that an insurance company’s lawyer works first in the best interest of the insurer and in your interests secondarily. Even if your insurance company provides a lawyer, you may want to hire your own attorney if you can afford it.
If the following is true of an accident, it is unlikely that the insurance company will lowball you: 1 There was only property damage, and nobody was hurt or killed. 2 You suffered minor or no physical injuries. 3 The settlement you deserve is relatively small.
Again, the best thing you can do for your case after an accident is to hire a lawyer. Whether you were injured in an accident with another car, truck, motorcycle, or bus, an attorney will help YOU build a strong case to win the compensation you deserve.
Finally, negotiations begin on your behalf with the insurance companies involved. If an agreement is not reached, your lawyer may take it to trial. Thankfully, if it gets to that point, you will have a professional at your side to back you up.
If you do not comply with the statute of limitations, it is very likely that the other party will point it out. That is probably the end of your case. However, there are certain situations in which you may “toll” the statute of limitations. This is a possibility if the victim was a minor at the time of the accident, is mentally or physically incompetent due to the injuries sustained in the accident, or was bankrupt when the injury occurred.
Attempt “subrogation”, which is when the company comes back after a settlement and says you have to pay them back.
However, insurance will only pay up to the driver’s policy limits. In turn, we will also evaluate the possibility of pursuing the at-fault driver personally to seek further compensation to cover expenses not covered by insurance.
Without a lawyer, it is much more difficult to win compensation for all you are owed. That is why we suggest that you make sure you have award-winning legal representation on your side.
As it is fairly uncommon to toll the statute of limitations, try to comply with it as soon as possible. It could be the difference between winning the money you deserve and walking away empty-handed.