When to Get an Attorney for a Car Accident?
Life moves fast, and anything can happen without warning. One of the most surprising things in Colorado that can happen is a car accident. This can happen while you will work or going to the mountains for the weekend.
The impact of a motor vehicle collision can be far reaching. If you are in a car accident, your vehicle may sustain damage. The vehicle could also be a total loss. In addition, you may suffer serious bodily injuries.
With all the added things to deal with, a person may ask “when should I contact an attorney for a car accident”. The Lawrence Law Firm is a personal injury firm located in Aurora, Colorado. We represent individuals in all types of car accident cases, including motorcycle accidents and trailer truck accidents.
The Immediate Aftermath of a Car Crash: First Steps
In the immediate aftermath of a car crash, your safety and health should be your top priority. If you're able, move to a safe location and call 911. Seek immediate medical attention, even if you think your injuries are minor.
Next, document the accident scene. Take photos of the vehicles, your injuries, and any other relevant details. Exchange information with the other driver, but avoid discussing the accident's specifics or admitting fault.
Here are some key steps to follow:
1. Call 911 and report the accident.
2. Seek immediate medical attention.
3. Document the accident scene.
4. Exchange information with the other driver.
5. Avoid discussing the accident or admitting fault.
6. Notify your insurance company.
7. Consult a car accident attorney.
Remember, consulting an attorney early can help protect your rights and provide guidance through the complex aftermath of a car crash.
Contacting a personal injury attorney as soon as possible is best.
No strict rule exists on when to retain an attorney. Some instances do not require an attorney. At our firm, we advise clients, friends, and family to speak with an attorney as soon as possible.
An experienced Colorado car accident lawyer will know how to look at your case and spot any issues. The case may seem cut and dry, but the law surrounding a negligence case can be complicated. The legal guidance of an attorney will help to see those issues and address them.
Accident claims also take time to resolve. Insurance companies will drag their feet and be tedious to communicate with. We usually don't help with property damage claims. However, when we do get involved, we notice that the insurance company acts faster.
We can help you with getting money for any damage to your property quickly.
More importantly, our goal is to preserve evidence at the beginning of the case. Evidence is crucial in any legal battle. The biggest thing to obtain in any accident claim is the police report and pictures of the scene.
Time and life can make things go missing and delete pictures. We ensure preservation of evidence as the first part of our job on any claim. A picture of damage to a car and injuries could be the difference maker in a car accident settlement.
A Car Accident Attorney can help guide you with medical care.
Even a minor collision at just five miles per hour can result in serious spinal injury or damage. A study from 2006 found that even a small crash at 5.97 miles per hour can cause strains and headaches. New education and research are providing doctors and society with new information. This information helps them understand the significant impact of even minor accidents and low impact collisions.
Injuries are the driving factor in an accident claim. The number of injuries and type of treatment will dictate the settlement value of your claim.
Getting treatment is the crucial first step. If you sustain serious injuries after a car accident, you should always seek medical help as your first step. The attorney can wait.
If you are stable, the question may arise where I go for medical treatment. The circumstance of your situation will help to answer that question. If you have health insurance, a lawyer can help you use your benefits for the best results.
Clients without health insurance face the problem. In those cases, lawyers work with companies and providers that will agree to provide care. The provider agrees to hold off collecting payment until the case is resolved in exchange.
Both methods have pros and cons. Both methods have advantages and disadvantages. It's a good idea to consult with a lawyer after a car accident. They can help you determine which option is best suited to your situation.
Statute of Limitations: Timing is Critical
The statute of limitations is a law that sets a deadline for filing a lawsuit. In car accident cases, this deadline varies from state to state. It's crucial to understand this timeline to protect your right to compensation.
Typically, the clock starts ticking on the day of the accident. If you fail to file a lawsuit within the specified period, you may lose your right to sue. This is why it's important to consult with an attorney as soon as possible after a car accident.
The statute of limitations for a car accident in Colorado is 3 years.
A Colorado Car Accident Attorney Will Understand Insurance
Insurance is a necessity in the modern age. To drive a car, a driver must have car insurance. Clients often do not fully understand the benefits they are entitled to under their own policy.
It is important to understand how insurance companies work. It is also important to know how to use the different benefits in insurance policies. This knowledge will help you get the best result after a car accident.
For example, some insurance police have medical payment coverage. This is coverage that is available to an injured party for payment of medical bills regardless of fault.
If a client has this insurance, they can use it to pay for unexpected costs. These costs may arise from a visit to the emergency room or ambulance ride. This will prevent bills from going to collections and impacting credit.
Speaking with or hiring a motor accident attorney does not require any upfront cost.
Attorneys handle car accident cases on a contingency fee basis. This means that you only pay if the attorney obtains a settlement or verdict. The benefit to a client is there are no upfront costs or fees associated with representation.
Instead, we will handle everything on your behalf. We want our clients to focus their time and resources on getting the care and treatment they need to get back to normal.
This also means that we do not charge a fee to meet with our car accident attorney. Anyone who asks will receive a free consultation to discuss their case. There is no obligation to retain our services, and we are happy to provide guidance. Even if the company does not ultimately hire us.
What to Expect During the Initial Consultation
During the initial consultation, your attorney will gather information about the accident. This includes details about the incident, your injuries, and any medical treatment you've received. They may also ask about your insurance coverage and the other party involved in the accident.
The attorney will use this information to evaluate your case. They will explain your legal options and discuss the next steps. This is also a good time to ask any questions you may have about the process. Remember, the initial consultation is usually free, so it's worth taking the time to meet with an attorney.
The Benefits of Early Attorney Involvement
Hiring a car accident attorney early in the process can have several benefits. One of the most significant is the preservation of evidence. An attorney can help ensure that crucial evidence is not lost or destroyed, which can strengthen your case.
Another benefit is the attorney's ability to handle communications with insurance companies. Insurance adjusters often try to minimize payouts or deny claims. An experienced attorney can protect your rights and negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf.
Lastly, early attorney involvement can provide peace of mind. Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident can be stressful. Having an attorney handle the legal aspects can allow you to focus on your recovery.
Speak with a Colorado Car Accident Attorney
A plaintiff involved in a car accident will have a lot of issues to deal with. They will have injuries that require treatment. This treatment can result in lost wages and pain and suffering. Unfortunately, they will also have to deal with insurance companies.
The goal of the Lawrence Law Firm is to simplify the process. We want our clients to focus on treatment and getting their lives back to normal. We will handle the entire legal process. Our clients must only worry about getting better and getting back to normal.
We are in Aurora, Colorado, but we handle cases throughout the Denver Metro Area. We have experience in Denver, Arapahoe, Douglas, Adams, Jefferson, Boulder, and Broomfield County.
Do not hesitate to request a free consultation if you have been involved in a car accident in Denver. We offer free consultations and contingency fees for any personal injury case.