Why You Should Consult With an
Auto Accident LawyerUnder Florida's no-fault auto insurance law your own car policy covers injuries and property damage unless the responsible driver is not insured. It is important to speak with an attorney in the event of a car accident prior to making a recorded or a written statement to an insurer.
If your case is taken to court, oral and written statements could be used against you. A seasoned attorney in car accidents will know how to prepare and present a case to maximize the value.
Damages
There are two types of damages a victim may receive after an accident in the car. These are economic and non-economic. Economic damages are easily quantifiable losses. These include medical bills lost wages and repairs to vehicles. Non-economic damages are harder to quantify. These damages may include pain and suffering, emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of living.
A skilled lawyer for car accidents can assist victims in claiming their maximum amount of compensation. They can also help fight for a fair settlement with the insurance company that is at fault. They may even make the case go to trial in the event that the insurance company is unwilling to make a full payment.
A good lawyer for car accidents will ensure that victims are compensated for all of their potential expenses and losses. They can accomplish this by collecting as much evidence as they can at the scene of the accident. 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 try to undervalue a claim, or refuse to accept it at all.
A car accident lawyer can also help victims calculate the total cost. This includes the cost of both future and previous medical treatment, and any expenses related to hiring someone to cook or do chores if the victim is in a position to perform these tasks.
Medical bills
When you're involved in a car accident, medical bills can increase quickly. Even even if you have no-fault insurance or an agreement from an injury lawsuit and the bills aren't going away. You need to pay them now, not in the future.
There are two ways to quickly pay for medical expenses: through your own health insurance, or your car insurance. In New York, the former is known as Med Pay and covers your first medical costs following an
auto accident regardless of who was the cause. The latter is usually provided by the state (Medicare) or an insurance plan that is private.
Always visit the doctor if you are feeling unwell or if your injuries don't seem to be severe. A prompt evaluation can ensure that all your injuries are properly treated, including any internal injuries. Your visit will also produce a medical record that can be vital in any lawsuit.
After these two avenues have been exhausted, you may look to the at-fault driver's liability insurance if their policy is sufficient to pay for your damages. You'll still have to pay your own deductibles and copays. In the end, you'll be reimbursed for your expenses related to the accident once an acceptable settlement is reached with the responsible party. This is why it's crucial to keep an eye on all your expenses as well as any expenses you pay out of your pocket.
Loss of wages
A serious car accident could also cause lost wages. It can be very difficult to meet your financial obligations if you cannot work due to injuries sustained in a car crash. You may need to borrow money from your family or rely on savings until the case is settled. A New York car accident lawyer will review your case to determine if you have an adequate claim.
In car accident cases the judge will award compensatory damages that reimburse you for the amount of money you would have earned but for your injuries. Wages, overtime, and benefits are all included in the term "economic damages." This amount of money is intended to return you to the financial position that you were in before the accident.
When you're missing work because of your injuries, a judge calculates the amount you've lost by reading a letter from plaintiff's employer which confirms their salary or hourly wage and how long they've been absent from work. Other documents that are relevant include paycheck stubs, bank statements, profit-and-loss reports, and tax returns.
In addition to the loss of income, an auto accident lawyer can pursue compensation for future lost earnings. This is a complex aspect of your damage, and can be difficult to prove. An expert witness will be required.
Suffering and pain
There could be unpaid medical bills, damages to your property, and even loss of income in the event of a severe car accident. You could also be suffering from emotional and psychological trauma. You could be entitled to compensation for the pain and suffering that you have experienced. A lawyer can help you get the money you're entitled to.
A lawyer can also help you navigate dealing with insurance companies. Since insurance adjusters have their own financial interests at heart, they often try to minimize or deny your claim. An attorney for car accidents will protect you from these tactics and negotiate an appropriate settlement for your injuries and losses.
Document all the expenses and damage to property that you incurred as a result of the accident. Included in this document are the cost of medical bills, estimates for repairs and receipts for damaged items. It's also important to take photos of the scene of the accident as well as your injuries. You should not talk to anyone about the incident except for medical and police professionals.
A lawyer can also help determine who is responsible for the accident. New York is a state that uses "comparative negligence" which means that the amount you receive for damages will be reduced by the proportion of your fault. In some cases the case, a corporation, city or state agency, a sanitation company or public transportation service may be the liable party.