When you have been in a car accident, the last thing you want to worry about is fighting insurance companies and finding legal representation. This article will help guide you through what step to take and what to expect after being in a car accident so that you can get back on track with your life:
Contact An Attorney Immediately
It’s important to find a car accident lawyer as soon after the accident as possible to ensure that your rights are protected. A good place to start is at a personal injury lawyer referral site. For instance, if you have encountered an accident in Washington and are looking for a good car accident attorney Washington-based, you can visit various referral sites that offer you options of getting such a lawyer in that particular area.
How Long Do You Have Before Your Case Expires?
This will depend on what state you live in and whether you are filing through a legal guardian or not. The period is generally two years after the person turns 18, unless they were disabled when the accident occurred, in which case there is no limit to how long you have.
How Are Damages Calculated?
Several factors are considered when calculating compensation for a car accident case. First, the extent of injuries needs to be determined by medical professionals. Then there is the issue of how long it will take for you to recover and whether or not you can return to work. Some additional factors include pain and suffering, loss of consortium for spouses, and property damage.
Finally, typically the settlement will fall between your medical bills and your ability to work at 100%. Sometimes a case can be made that an injured person should not have to return to work or receive more compensation because their injuries were severe. It is important to work with a personal injury lawyer to receive the maximum compensation in any event.
How Much Will Your Case Cost?
The cost of hiring an attorney to represent you in court depends on many factors. These include: how long your case will take and whether or not you reach a settlement before trial. Generally, the longer it takes to get compensation, the more it will cost. However, sometimes a settlement is reached before trial, which results in lower costs.
If you have been in a car accident, it is important to act quickly so that your case does not expire. Your first step should be to contact an attorney who will help you through the process. Various factors determine how much your case is worth. However, it’s important to act because you may not have two years before it expires.