Contacting a Grand Prairie Car Accident Attorney
A car accident is always an unsettling and untimely event. People are usually in complete shock, but should try to remain calm and think clearly. The first priority is to call the authorities and seek medical treatment for their injuries. Even if one does not believe their injuries are serious, it is best to get checked out by a doctor. It is recommended that the person gets in the ambulance at the scene of the accident because that ensures a police report is made. After seeking medical help, you should consider contacting a Grand Prairie car accident attorney. A local car accident lawyer can help you through each step of your case and help you seek compensation for all of your injuries.
Filing A Claim and Collecting Evidence
There is a statute of limitations in effect for all personal injury claims. In the State of Texas, the deadline to file a claim is two years. Time passes quickly, especially when one is recovering from a serious injury. As soon as an individual gets an attorney involved, they can begin the process of formally filing a claim and collecting evidence.
Collecting Evidence
Gathering evidence early on following a crash is crucial. As time lapses, a lot of the evidence disappears. It is important for the injured party to keep all documents related to one’s injury. They have proof of the expenses they incurred as a result of the accident. They need to follow up with the doctor’s orders regarding medications, additional tests, and subsequent appointments. If the injured party does not adhere to the follow-up schedule, the insurance company could argue that their injuries are not as serious as they claim. If the injuries were serious, the individual would abide by the doctor’s orders.
The driver should take pictures of the scene if they are able to do so. They need to document the property damage, their injuries, and any traffic signals the at-fault driver may have violated. If there is ever a dispute about who caused the accident, pictures can help determine who was at fault.
Handling All Communication
An individual should contact an attorney as soon as possible following the accident, because the at-fault party will immediately notify their insurance company, who will try to contact the person to discuss what happened. If the injured individual chooses to file a claim or is struggling to come to an agreement with the insurance company, an attorney can take over and handle the negotiations on their behalf. It is important to keep in mind from the beginning, that one should not say anything to the insurance company that can be misconstrued and used against them later.
An attorney can help when the insurance company acts in bad faith. This occurs when the insurance company denies the coverage the person paid for, refuses to pay the claim before investigating the issue, fails to pay their insured’s claim in a timely manner, or does not provide an explanation for why the claim is denied.
Remember, the insurance company is not looking out for the injured party’s best interest. They are not concerned with the amount of medical expenses or how many days the individual had to take off of work because of their injuries. The insurance company is are only concerned with getting the injured person to accept a low settlement offer. A knowledgeable car accident attorney can handle all communication with witnesses, attorneys, and the insurance company.
Seek Help From a Car Accident Attorney Today
When an accident leads to a serious injury that requires a trip to the doctor, the individual should consult with an attorney about their legal options. If the police report does not accurately describe the events or puts the person at-fault when they believe it was the other driver’s fault, a car accident attorney can help.
When someone believes they were injured in a car accident because of another person’s negligence, it is wise to contact an attorney to discuss the possibility of filing a personal injury claim. Contact a Grand Prairie car accident attorney today for help with your case.