In the aftermath of a car accident, everything feels chaotic and overwhelming. There are medical bills to pay after sustaining injuries, car repairs that need addressing, and the potential for missed time at work or school due to a car accident injury.
These responsibilities can be intimidating for someone already dealing with physical pain from personal injury and mental stress after an accident. To make matters worse, getting compensation for medical expenses and other damages from another driver can seem like an uphill battle.
Fortunately, you don’t have to face these challenges alone. Legal assistance can help you understand your rights and give you peace of mind regarding your case when dealing with insurance companies after an accident.
Understanding Legal Assistance After an Accident Injury
“Legal assistance” is any form of legal help that a personal injury law firm can provide to you after an accident. The assistance can come in the form of general advice, making a car accident claim, or representation during a court or settlement process.
The type of legal help you require after an accident can depend on a variety of factors, such as:
The Severity of Your Car Accident Injuries
If you’ve been seriously hurt in an accident, you may require legal assistance in filing an insurance claim for medical treatment and lost income. If your injuries are minor, you may not need representation.
Your Insurance Situation
If you were in a car accident with another driver, your insurance company would help cover your medical bills, car repairs, and other damage. However, there are many instances when your insurance won’t cover everything you need, such as:
You were in a car accident with an uninsured driver.
You hit a pedestrian or a parked car.
You were injured as a passenger in someone else’s car.
That said, car accident victims can take specific steps to ensure they get the legal help they need for a personal injury case.
Take Care of Yourself Physically and Mentally
As you recover from your accident, staying focused on rest, self-care, and building a good relationship with your health care team is essential.
It may be tempting to want to jump back into your regular routine as soon as possible, but doing too much too soon may lead to complications and set you back in your recovery. Follow your doctor’s orders and regain strength before returning to full-time responsibilities.
In addition to being mindful of your physical recovery, you should also be aware of the emotional impact an accident can have on you. Studies have shown that people may experience the same emotional impact from a car accident as a traumatic event like a car accident.
As such, try and speak to a therapist to help you recover from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that you may have developed from the event.
Get the Necessary Information
Documenting the details of your accident is crucial when trying to get compensation for your injuries. The most important thing to do immediately after an accident is to get the following information:
The names, addresses, and phone numbers of all other people involved in the accident, including potential witnesses.
The date, time, and location of the accident.
The make, model, and license plate numbers of all vehicles involved in the accident.
Name of your insurance company as well as the other driver’s insurance company.
Find Personal Injury Lawyers to Assist You During Your Case
A car accident can be highly stressful, both physically and mentally. After the accident, it can be hard to know where to start, but you don’t have to get compensation for your injuries on your own.
When you hire a personal injury lawyer to represent you, they will provide you with legal assistance by helping you file a lawsuit and negotiating with the other driver’s insurance company on your behalf.
They will handle all the paperwork, police reports, and court proceedings if you decide to file a personal injury lawsuit against the other driver for your injuries. They can also help you file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver if the other driver’s insurance company doesn’t adequately compensate you for your injuries.
Your lawyer may also be able to help you recover compensation for additional damages you didn’t initially think you were entitled to, such as:
Lost wages due to missed work because of your injuries.
Ongoing medical expenses related to your injuries
In some states, a lawyer may also be able to help you recover compensation for pain and suffering, known as non-economic damages.
All in all, by hiring a car accident lawyer to represent you, you will have one less thing to worry about as you recover from your accident. You can focus on getting better while your lawyer handles all necessary communications with the other driver’s insurance company and the court system.
Tips for Working With an Attorney
Maintain Communication
Be as open and honest with your lawyer as much as you can. Communication is vital in successful cases.
Organize your Documents
Accidents happen, but it is crucial to be ready for anything. Be sure to be as organized as possible when dealing with your attorney so that you can present yourself as a professional and make sure your claim gets the attention it deserves.
Make Follow-ups
If your accident happened a while ago, there might be moments you can’t recall. Make sure to keep in touch with your attorney to stay up to date on your case. Be sure to let them know if you’ve missed any appointments or if there is any information that may be vital to your case.
Contact Siddons Law Firm to Talk to a Lawyer
Hiring an experienced attorney to help you with your car accident lawsuit is the first step in getting the compensation you deserve.
Siddons Law Firm can help you recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses after an accident. We will also help you with your insurance company and ensure you receive fair compensation. Working with us from the beginning will give you the best chance of recovering fair compensation in your case.
Call us today at 610-255-7500 to speak to a legal representative.
