Why You Should Consult With an Auto Accident Lawyer
Florida's no-fault auto insurance law covers injuries and property damage, unless the negligent driver is not insured. This is the reason it's advisable to consult with a lawyer for a car accident prior to giving an oral or written statement to the insurer.
Written and oral statements can be used against you if your case goes to trial. A car accident lawyer with experience can present your case in the most favorable light.
Damages
There are two types of damages that victims can receive following an automobile accident. These are economic and non-economic. Economic damages are easily quantifiable. These include medical bills lost wages, and repair costs for vehicles. Non-economic damages are more difficult to quantify. These damages can include pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of living.
An experienced lawyer for car accidents can assist victims in claiming the maximum amount of compensation. They can also argue for a fair settlement with the insurance company that is at fault. If the insurance company is unable to agree to payment, they can go to court.
A good lawyer in car accidents needs to ensure that victims are compensated for all their possible losses and expenses. They can accomplish this by collecting as much evidence as they can at the scene of the accident. For instance, they could take pictures of the accident site and gather information from witnesses. This will stop the insurance company from attempting to deny or undervalue your claim.
A lawyer from a car accident will also help victims estimate their total cost. This includes past and future medical treatments, as well as any expenses related to the home or hiring someone to perform chores or cook if accident has made it difficult for the person injured to perform these tasks.
Medical bills
If you're involved in a car accident, medical bills may accumulate quickly. Even in the event that you have no-fault insurance or a settlement from an injury lawsuit it's not going to disappear. You'll need help with paying them now, not later.
Luckily, there are two easy ways to pay for medical expenses: your own car insurance and your health insurance. In New York, the former is called Med Pay and covers your first medical costs following an auto accident regardless of who was responsible. The latter is usually provided by the state (Medicare) and/or an insurance plan that is private.
You should always go to the doctor following an accident, particularly in the event that you're not feeling well or think that your injuries aren't serious. An immediate evaluation can guarantee that all injuries are treated and identified including any internal injuries. Your visit will also generate medical records that can be crucial in any lawsuit.
After these two avenues have been exhausted, you can use the at-fault driver's liability insurance if the policy will compensate for your losses. Keep in mind, though that you'll need to pay your own deductible as well as copays first. In the end, you'll be reimbursed for any accident-related expenses after an acceptable settlement has been reached with the at-fault party. This is why it's important to keep an eye on all your expenses and any expenditures out of pocket.
Lost wages
In addition to medical expenses and property damage, a serious car accident can also result in lost wages. It can be extremely stressful to fulfill your financial obligations when you cannot work due to an injury sustained in a car accident. You may have to rely on your own savings or borrow from family members until the case is resolved. A seasoned New York car accident attorney will review your case and determine if you have a valid claim for loss of earnings.
In the event of a car crash, a judge grants compensatory damages to compensate you for the money that you would have earned but for your injuries. The benefits, wages and overtime all fall under the umbrella of "economic damages." The goal of this kind of compensation is to return you to the financial position you had prior to the incident.
If you're working but aren't due to an injury, a judge calculates the amount you've suffered by looking over a letter from the plaintiff's employer that confirms the pay or hourly wages and the amount of time they've missed from work. Bank statements and paycheck stubs are also pertinent. Profit-and-loss accounts, tax returns, and profit-and-loss reporting are also a possibility.
In addition to lost income An auto accident lawyer may seek compensation for lost earnings potential. This is a specialized aspect of your injuries that could be difficult to prove and will require the assistance of an expert witness.
Pain and suffering
There could be unpaid medical bills, damaged to your property and income in the event of a serious car accident. Additionally, you may suffer from emotional and psychological trauma. The pain and suffering you suffer is real and deserves to be compensated. A lawyer can help get you the compensation you're due.
A lawyer can also assist you to navigate dealing with insurance companies. Since insurance adjusters have their own financial interests in mind they will often attempt to reduce or deny your claim. A car accident attorney will protect you from these tactics and negotiate a fair settlement of your losses and injuries.
Keep track of all the expenses and damage to property that you incur as a result of the accident. This includes repair estimates, medical bills and receipts for any damaged items. Take auto accident law firm tallahassee of your injuries and the accident scene. You should also avoid talking to anyone about the incident with the exception of police and medical professionals.
A lawyer can also help you determine who is liable for the accident. New York is a "comparative fault" state, meaning that the amount of damages you will receive will be diminished by your percentage of fault. In some instances the responsible party could be a corporation, city or state agency or an organization that provides public transportation or sanitation company.