The short answer? Absolutely!
Picture this scenario.
Source: dlhattorneys.com
You get into a minor car accident. You and the other driver step out of your cars, examine the minor scratches, shake your heads, shrug, and walk away. The damage is too small to be noticeable, and you forget the incident quickly. But, a week later, you have symptoms like aches and pain that worsen progressively. On getting a checkup, the doctor informs you that you have injuries that may need long-term and expensive care.
The cause is likely a whiplash or concussion that you incurred during the car accident. However, since you did not report the incident right away, the insurance company may refuse to give you adequate compensation. You’ll not only pay medical bills out of pocket, but you may also lose wages because of being unable to work.
All of this could have been avoided!
Contacting an attorney would have ensured you took the necessary steps to safeguard your interests. Even if the incident is minor, you must treat it like you would a significant fender-bender. Having ensured that no one is seriously hurt and after getting both vehicles off the road, your first step should be to exchange insurance information and get in touch with your attorney. Take extensive pictures and videos of the scene while you wait for the police to arrive. You must also interview the witnesses and record their impressions. Getting their names and contact information for future evidence is also advisable.
The police report is critical for the lawsuit.
Source: justice4you.com
Informing the police right away is a critical step. The officers arriving on the scene will create a report of the situation. You’ll need this report when filing an insurance claim with your provider. Or, in case your auto accident attorney must file a lawsuit to get compensation. If you live in a no-fault insurance state like Florida, your insurer must cover your medical bills and vehicle repair costs regardless of the party responsible for the accident. More information about dealing with car accidents in a state like Florida can be found here.
Your attorney will ensure that the paperwork is in order.
Car accident attorneys are trained in dealing with such situations. They’ll get the paperwork in order by conducting the necessary legwork. You can rely on them to submit documents to the insurance company and get you damages. It is never advisable to accept the first settlement check you receive without first consulting a lawyer. On average, people get at three times the settlement amount with the assistance of experienced representation.
You need not worry about paying the lawyer.
Source: modernfamilylaw.com
Most personal Injury lawyers work on a contingency basis. And, that means they’ll request a fee only after the settlement. More often than not, attorneys get a percentage of the damages they win for you. The initial consultation is free of cost, which means that you can get valuable advice without paying anything. You stand to gain detailed information about your rights under the law.
The bottom line? Regardless of the kind of accident you’ve been involved in, always get in touch with an attorney and report the incident to law enforcement.
