Because the settlement process can be complex, it is important to work with an experienced car accident lawyer who can speak to insurance companies and negotiate settlements with the other parties on your behalf .
Many drivers are unaware that there is a limited amount of time to pursue a settlement following a car accident. Under Louisiana law, you must file your suit within one year of the incident. If you file after the statute of limitations, your claim will be barred. Hiring an attorney helps to ensure all necessary steps are taken in a timely manner.
When it comes to legal cases, there are certain things you can and cannot say. Hiring a professional lawyer to handle your car accident settlement helps to inform you of what you can and cannot discuss so that your case isn’t jeopardized by a few innocent remarks.
An experienced car accident lawyer can help to level the playing field in your dealings with insurance companies.
If you have been injured or incurred property damage in a car accident, you may have significant medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs. In many cases, these expenses continue long after the accident.
After a car accident, always remember: 1 If you have any injuries, expenses, or damage, you may be entitled to compensation. 2 Most lawyers will give you a first consultation without any risk or commitment. 3 Insurance companies are not on your side. 4 You should not delay.
Often the relevant deadline is for personal injury claims, which in the State of Delaware is 2 years, typically running from the date of the accident. However, the deadline can be different in other states, other types of claim, or may start running from a later date depending on the circumstances of the accident and the injury.
In Delaware, for example, the comparative negligence rule applies which means that a victim’s compensation will be reduced if the victim is at fault for the accident, and will not recover anything if they are more than 50% at fault.
There are no drawbacks to talking to a lawyer. Any good lawyer will offer you a free initial consultation, either on the phone or in person, to discuss your case. They will listen to your story and advise you whether or not you might benefit from having a lawyer to represent you.
When you file a claim in a car accident case, you are not opposing an individual driver but instead a large insurance company that handles such claims on a daily basis. Some people who have been involved in an accident are concerned about causing distress or expense to the other driver, even if that driver caused the accident.