Working with a car accident attorney after sustaining an injury in a car accident is a wise decision. If the other driver’s negligence caused the accident, the victim has a legal right to pursue compensation from the negligent driver or the negligent driver’s insurer. Insurance companies are notorious for denying rightful compensation to car crash victims who choose to make claims without the involvement of attorneys.
An auto accident attorney knows how to deal with insurance company tactics. The attorney can obtain the required evidence to support the auto accident claim. This step involves collecting police reports, statements from eyewitnesses, medical reports and bills, and employment and lost earnings information. The attorney ensures the victim obtains reasonable compensation.
The Course of Action Following an Auto Accident
A person involved in a car crash should first check himself or herself, other drivers, or anyone in the vehicle for injuries. If anyone is hurt, the person should call 911 or designate someone else to do so.
The accident victim should move the involved vehicle out of the road and wait for the law enforcement officers to arrive. That is also the perfect time to inform an auto accident lawyer about the accident. The victim should see a doctor even if he or she doesn’t have any obvious signs of injuries.
The victim should properly document the scene of the accident. This step may involve taking pictures and videos of the involved vehicles and road conditions. It may also involve recording witness information and exchanging information with the other driver. This information will be crucial when filing an insurance claim with the liable driver’s insurer or making a personal injury claim against the liable driver.
How Can an Accident Attorney Help Car Accident Victims?
An auto accident lawyer relieves the accident victim from having to worry about compensation. The victim gets to focus on recovering while the attorney does the following:
- Opening a communication line with the insurance company of the other driver. The attorney negotiates with the insurance adjuster to reach an amicable settlement.
- The attorney collects all the necessary evidence from the crash. These include photos, videos, and eyewitness accounts for building a strong case.
- The attorney communicates with the medical officer to obtain records to prove the accident victim’s injuries. Hospitals usually have a specific procedure for obtaining the required medical records. An attorney can negotiate and fill out all the forms required to obtain medical results quickly.
- The auto accident attorney curates all the accident information and data and compiles it into a demand letter.
- The attorney also initiates negotiations with lien holders. This step enables the bank or lender to reduce the car’s outstanding lien.
Types of Damages Available to An Accident Victim
Medical Bills and Expenses
The accident victim qualifies for full compensation for all reasonable and necessary medical bills incurred due to the accident. Medical costs include physicians’ fees, hospital expenses, surgeries, physical therapy, and other fees for medical providers.
It also comprises medication, medical equipment, and medical supply costs. An attorney can gather all the evidence required to obtain compensation for full and necessary medical expenses incurred on the injured victim’s behalf.
Lost Wages
Severe injuries deprive victims of the ability to work and earn. The person may lose wages, salaries, or earnings from self-employment during the recovery process. The at-fault party bears responsibility for these lost earnings.
Property Damage
Property damage is also a part of a personal injury claim. The most common form of property damage is the damage suffered by the car due to the accident.
Pain and Suffering
Car accident victims are frequently left physically, emotionally, and psychologically scarred. Some victims suffer from post-traumatic stress disorders that require years of therapy to heal. A brilliant attorney can prove that the client deserves compensation for this PTSD.
Punitive Damages
Provided the defendant’s attorney can prove that the accident resulted from gross negligence on the part of the other driver, the defendant can recover punitive damages.
What is the Time Limit for Filing A Car Accident Claim?
Car accident claims have a two-year time limit in Nevada. Anyone intending to recover damages for personal injury or wrongful death of a loved one in Nevada must file within the stipulated two-year deadline.
The time limit for claiming personal injury damages starts on the accident date. The accident victim, therefore, has two years to bring a claim against the liable party. The two-year deadline for wrongful death claims commences on the date of death of the deceased person.
Claims for the damaged vehicle or any other possessions have a separate three-year statute of limitations. An auto accident attorney who is familiar with state-specific car accident laws can ensure the accident victim has met each deadline. The attorney can also ensure the victim has filed the claim correctly.