WHEN SHOULD YOU SPEAK WITH A LAWYER ABOUT YOUR CAR ACCIDENT?
A lot of people that are involved in an auto accident or a slip and fall accident make the same two critical mistakes: they do not speak with a lawyer soon enough or they delay in reporting the accident. In some cases, they are afraid to report the accident because of driver error which they are responsible for. But regardless of the reason, it's important to make an official report of your accident -- and to speak with a lawyer right away.
Any time you are involved in an accident, whether it is because of your own distracted driving or not, you need to speak with a lawyer and you always need to report the accident. Starting a paper trail of the accident is vital to protecting your rights. Let's discuss why.
WHY DO I NEED TO SPEAK WITH A LAWYER AFTER AN ACCIDENT?
One of the most frequently asked questions an accident victim will ask is, "why do I need to speak to a lawyer?" There are several reasons you should seek legal counsel after you have been involved in a vehicle accident.
Unfortunately, many people are under the impression that speaking with a Henderson accident attorney after an accident makes them look like they are trying to “soak” the insurance company. The fact is, you shouldn't assume that insurance companies will cover your claim -- even if your injuries are legitimate.
Insurance companies are for-profit businesses, which means that they often look for ways to deny paying your claim. Many people have learned the hard way that insurance companies will deny care for their injuries, even when those injuries are well-documented.
Ensuring that your rights are protected starts with speaking to a lawyer who is experienced in accident law and who will put your best interests first. The insurance company will not put your best interests first; they put their shareholders' best interests first. It's essential to know the difference and to seek help from a lawyer to protect your rights.
Speaking to a lawyer will also help to take some of the stress out of the situation. Your lawyer can deal with the insurance company while you focus on getting back on your feet.
IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING AN ACCIDENT
No matter what type of accident you are involved in or who was at fault, you want to follow a few simple steps to ensure you are preserving your rights as a victim. Call the authorities and report the accident. If you are in a car accident, call the police. And if you are involved in a slip and fall accident, notify a store manager or other manager in a position of authority.
Once you have filed your report, go see a doctor and get checked out. If the doctor says you're not cleared to work, notify your employer. Then, call and speak to a lawyer who specializes in accident injuries and follow their recommendations.
Don’t give up your rights because you did not report the accident and you did not initially hire an attorney. Even simple injuries can have long term repercussions. Protect yourself. Contact our team today to learn more.