When To Call An Attorney After A Car Accident

Written by Jeremy D. Earle, JD

May 19, 2023

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WHEN TO CALL AN ATTORNEY AFTER A CAR ACCIDENT

DO I NEED A LAWYER IF I’M INJURED IN A COLORADO SPRINGS CAR ACCIDENT?

Attorney Jeremy D. Earle, JD, specializes in Car Accidents

When to Call a Colorado Springs Car Accident Lawyer

a small shunt on the freeway (When to Call a Colorado Springs Car Accident Lawyer

Following an accident, you should get legal guidance to avoid making comments or other blunders that might jeopardize your claim. It’s also risky to wait too long to speak with a car accident lawyer because many injuries sustained in car accidents worsen over time. Remember that information is power if you’re uncertain what to do. This is when to call an attorney after a car accident.

 

Warrior Vehicle Accident Lawyers, an experienced car accident law firm. We have handled over 1,000 car accident lawsuits and know how to protect you. A personal injury claim can be difficult to navigate alone, but with our help, we can ensure you recover compensation after being injured in a car accident.

Insurance companies enjoy screwing over car accident victims and prevent them from recovering fair compensation. Our experienced car accident attorney will fight for you constantly. We know how to take on the insurance company and insurance adjuster. Don’t trust the personal injury lawyer you see on TV. They have to advertise heavily because they lack the reputation to get clients through referrals.

We offer a free consultation so you can get to know us. Our car accident lawyers have handled over one thousand car accident lawsuits and and we know how to protect our client’s interests.

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WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I HAVE A CAR ACCIDENT?

In catastrophic damage accidents insurance providers often give the injured party less than what the injured person should be entitled to in court. Many victims try to get the injured person to sign the settlement too soon but can be forced to lose more money despite their accident’s financial loss and medical costs.

The quicker I can contact a car accident attorney after an accident, the better. We also gather evidence of other witnesses to ensure there are still many to be found, many of which may be damaged over time.

Personal injury claims require you to deal with the insurance company, and the insurance adjuster will make your life a living hell, but will often come off as being very nice. Don’t trust them. Don’t risk your financial future by handling a personal injury claim yourself. A personal injury lawyer will handle everything for you and fight for you to get a huge settlement.

We have a quick and productive team which provides you with excellent legal advice. Contact us now for your consultation. Contact my local wrongful death attorneys.

With our law firm, can help you through your accident. When:

  • It’s uncertain who’s to blame for an accident, or more than one person may be at fault.
  • You have no idea how to calculate your losses.
  • Proving lost earnings is challenging. If you’re a company owner or a salesman, for example.
  • Medical documents from before the accident are being requested by an insurance firm.
  • You have received an offer from an insurance provider that you feel is unfair.
  • Instead of a flat sum payout, an insurance company is proposing a structured settlement.

YOU NEED AN EXPERIENCE CAR ACCIDENT LAWYER IN REACHING A FAIR SETTLEMENT

When you are not at blame or partly at fault, and guilt is uncertain, obtaining legal advice from a knowledgeable car accident attorney is important.

  • Expert investigators or witnesses may be required in the case.
  • The insurer has made a low-ball offer.
  • Your claim has been declined by the insurance carrier.
  • A lawsuit has been brought against you by the other party.
  • You’ve been hurt, you have a lot of medical costs, and you might be temporarily or permanently handicapped.
  • The person who was hurt is a minor.

You have extenuating circumstances that make your claim more valued, but you don’t know how to establish your loss, such as being a caregiver who can no longer care for your spouse or ailing mother, and you don’t know how to prove your loss.

WHEN SHOULD I CALL A LAWYER AFTER A CAR ACCIDENT?

Why is it necessary to speak with experienced car accident attorneys? Contact someone immediately when it occurs and they’re able to solve their problems efficiently. Automobile accidents do not always feel easy but scary.

If there was no accident with someone you could possibly be suffering from injuries or even think about if they could be covered by insurance. It may also be worth mentioning that negligent drivers are not responsible for your vehicle injury and claim damages for negligence.

We’ll show you the most effective way to contact an authorised car accident lawyer following a collision. A personal injury attorney knows how to maximize your car accident settlement and deal with the insurance company. Accident victims are left with not know what to do following a car accident and dealing with serious injuries, but our experienced car accident attorneys can help every step of the way.

According to insurance industry experts, the typical motorist will be involved in an accident once every 17.9 years. In 2017, there were more than 37,150 vehicle accident deaths in the United States, with 402,385 incidents. Accidents in Colorado resulted in 254,310 injuries and 2,924 deaths.

Any accident may leave you feeling frightened, scared, and unclear about your next steps. It’s one thing when your fender gets dented in an accident, but it’s quite another when the collision ends in injuries or deaths.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around 31 million individuals are treated in emergency departments each year due to accidents.

Some injuries are mild, while others, such as traumatic brain injuries, are catastrophic or life-threatening. It might be impossible to predict the long-term effects of an accident, both personal and financial, at first.

Knowing when you need legal help might be the difference between a justly settled matter and catastrophic damages.

WHEN IT COMES TO HIRING A CAR ACCIDENT LAWYER, THERE ARE A FEW THINGS TO CONSIDER

You should consider a car accident lawyer’s experience, skill level, and reputation before choosing one. But it’s also critical to employ someone you can trust. Prepare for your initial session by gathering as much information as possible regarding the accident. Include information regarding the automobile accident, including details about any injuries and financial damages.

Bring copies of any accident-related papers you have, such as your insurance policy; information exchanged at the site, images taken at the incident, and medical records. Consider the following inquiries:

  • What percentage of your practice is made up of vehicle accident cases?
  • Have you dealt with any other instances regarding my injury?
  • What were the outcomes?
  • Will you handle my case directly, or will you delegate it to your employees or another legal firm?
  • Could you give me an overview of the procedure?
  • What is your firm’s pricing structure?
  • Does your company have the financial resources required to handle my case?
  • Are you a member of any organizations that are linked to my case?

AFTER A CAR ACCIDENT, FOLLOW THESE 9 STEPS

1. DON’T STRESS OR ACT QUICKLY

It may seem self-evident, but after an accident, do not panic and drive away. If you are involved in a collision, you are obligated by law to come to a complete stop. Your initial reaction, like with any unpleasant scenario, maybe to drive away and leave it behind.

On the other hand, leaving an accident site is illegal in every state and is known as a hit-and-run. If the other motorist flees the collision site, remain on the scene and file a police complaint.

2. TAKE STOCK OF THE SITUATION

Adrenaline rushes through your body after an accident. Adrenaline helps us prepare for danger. It causes sweating, dilation of the pupils, and a rise in heart rate. Some individuals begin to hyperventilate or even fall into shock as a result of this. It will be tough, but you must restore your composure for your own and others’ safety.

Deep breathing serves to counteract this reaction and encourage relaxation, allowing your system to return to normal in such high-stress conditions. Take stock of the issue after you’ve calmed down.

Do you have an injury? Is there anybody else in the vehicle with you who has been hurt? What about the other people who were involved in the accident? You may be angry at the other driver, but now is the moment to ensure that everyone’s safety is protected.

3. IMMEDIATELY SEEK MEDICAL ASSISTANCE IF ANYBODY IS INJURED

Keep in mind that although others may seem to be unscathed, many individuals feel shocked after a potentially fatal event. If someone has discomfort in their neck or back, don’t move them until a medical professional orders you or unless they are in urgent danger.

Moving someone who has a neck or back injury might aggravate their condition. Because some injuries or symptoms may not develop until after the event, it is always preferable to seek medical assistance.

Examine what occurred after you’ve checked on yourself and others. Did you collide with something? What happened to your automobile, and where did it end up? Are there any hazards, such as downed power lines? If this is the case, stay in the car until assistance comes. However, if the automobile is smoking or burning, get everyone out of it and to a safe location as soon as possible.

4. GO TO A SECURE LOCATION

The accident site may be a hazardous area, especially if there is traffic or other dangers. If you’re able, go to a safe location. Even if you can’t move the automobile, do all you can to keep yourself and others safe. Turn on your hazard lights and, if feasible, deploy warning devices in the vicinity of the collision.

5. CONTACT THE AUTHORITIES

Call 911, even if it’s a small accident. The other motorist may request that you not report the collision. This is because the other motorist may have issues with auto insurance, an expired driver’s license, an outstanding warrant, or other factors—but call regardless.

The information in the police report will come in handy if you need to file an insurance claim or take legal action in the future, especially if the accident was not your fault.

When the cops arrive, they’ll try to keep the accident scene under control and ensure that everyone is safe. An officer will interview the drivers of all cars involved in the collision. In most cases, the police take separate statements to ensure that everything moves along in a timely and orderly manner. If an officer asks you a question, try to respond as calmly and clearly as possible. Simply state that you do not know the answer.

6. SHARE INFORMATION

Everyone engaged in the accident should share information such as:

  • Names, addresses, and phone numbers of all parties involved
  • Driver license numbers
  • License plate numbers
  • Makes, models, and years of all cars involved
  • Information about your car insurance policy
  • The location of the accident

7. COMPILE ACCIDENT EVIDENCE.

Gather as much evidence as you can while you’re still on the scene. Make a note of any witnesses contact information. Take photos of all of the vehicles from all perspectives, including the inside. Take pictures of the accident site as well. If there are any traffic signals, signs, dangers, or debris, be sure to include them. If other drivers’ views of the events alter, photos might be useful proof afterward.

8. DO NOT DISCUSS WHO IS TO BLAME FOR THE ACCIDENT.

After an accident, emotions run high. Those who are engaged may get agitated or defensive. Even if you were not at fault, there is a natural urge to apologize or accept blame after an accident.

Your first reaction could be to post about the mishap on social media. Pictures or remarks on social media, on the other hand, might jeopardize your claim in the future. Discussing culpability with others at the scene or with an insurance agent is not a good idea.

You should discuss any concerns of guilt with your car accident lawyer. The police and officials from the insurance company will examine the facts and establish who is responsible.

9. SPEAK WITH A PERSONAL INJURY LAWYER

Consult a car accident attorney as soon as possible after the accident to prevent making expensive errors. Before speaking with any parties about the accident, especially insurance company personnel, or signing any documents or release forms, always contact an experienced car accident attorney. Attempt to contact a car accident attorney as quickly as possible following your accident, and certainly before negotiating an insurance settlement.

PERSONAL INJURY LAWSUITS: THE FUNDAMENTALS

According to a study conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), driver error was responsible for 94 percent of all accidents. If you were hurt in an automobile accident due to someone else’s carelessness, you have legal rights and may be able to receive compensation.

Negligence is defined as a failure to act with the same amount of caution that someone of average wisdom would have exercised in the same circumstances. Suppose your claim is founded on someone else’s carelessness. In that case, you must show that the defendant owed the plaintiff a legal obligation, that the defendant breached that duty, that the plaintiff was injured, and that the defendant’s violation caused the harm.

A statute of limitations is legislation that regulates how long you have after an accident to launch a lawsuit. In Colorado, most personal injury cases, including vehicle accidents, have a three-year statute of limitations.

For submitting claims, car insurance companies have their own set of requirements. Insurance companies often require you to claim within a reasonable amount of time following an accident. To prevent missing any key deadlines, you should negotiate any time constraints with your experienced car accident attorney as soon as possible.

CAR ACCIDENT INJURIES CAUSES MEDICAL BILLS

Damages are intended to reimburse someone who has been hurt as a result of another party’s negligence. Medical costs, missed wages, car repairs, and compensation for future economic losses are all examples of economic damages.

Pain and suffering are examples of non-economic damages. Physical pain, emotional suffering, deformity, incapacity, and loss of pleasure in life are all possible outcomes. An experienced car accident lawyer will ensure you are compensated fairly.

Punitive damages may be awarded in circumstances of gross wrongdoing on the side of the perpetrator. The goal is to penalize the criminal and dissuade others from engaging in similar behavior in the future. Punitive damages, on the other hand, are seldom awarded by courts.

It is critical to maintain all of your medical records and expenses to get just compensation. Medical records are crucial in obtaining compensation from liable parties and their insurance companies. Medical documents will prove that you were harmed in the accident, and they’ll also help you negotiate a payment.

WHAT CAN A COLORADO CAR ACCIDENT LAWYER DO FOR YOU?

It may be difficult and time-consuming to deal with the aftermath of an accident. You may be in pain or unable to cope at the same moment. Your experienced car accident attorney will handle the red tape and inconvenience of vehicle accident situations. Consider what an car accident attorney can do to assist you in taking charge of your case and lessening your stress if you’re not sure if you need an car accident attorney.

Your car accident lawyer will defend your rights, explain your legal choices, and walk you through the whole procedure. He or she may investigate your case, collect evidence, interact with insurance companies, file a lawsuit, negotiate, and represent you in court if no settlement is made.

A car accident lawyer for a vehicle accident can listen to you, answer your questions, and advise you on what to do next. Call our office at 719-300-1100 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation.

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