Car Accident Attorneys: What to Expect When You Call
Most car accident attorneys will start with a thorough question-and-answer session that will cover all aspects of your wreck. Make sure that you have all the pertinent information with you, including any photos and any contact you may have had with the other driver’s insurance company. If you have the names and contact information for witnesses, that is a major plus in preparing your case.
Not Every Case Will Win a Big Settlement
Don’t fall prey however, to the myth that car accident attorneys will file a lawsuit every time, based on any type of accident. Instead, a trained lawyer who regularly handles car accident cases will determine if you are injured and may have you visit a physician if you aren’t sure whether you were injured or not in the collision. If your wreck was minor and the property damage is fairly limited, it may be in your best interest to settle with the insurance company and not take the matter to court.
Be Careful Dealing with Your Insurer
Expect to receive some detailed instructions and advice on the things that you should and should not do if your car accident attorney decides to file a case. You definitely need to contact your insurer, if you haven’t already, because many companies require notice within a month or less of a potential claim in order to maintain all of the rights contained in your car insurance agreement. It’s okay to give a brief statement to the other driver’s insurer. Don’t offer specifics on your condition, since that can change or deteriorate even if you seem fine now. Let your insurance company know that you have retained an attorney who can be contacted for any details about the case.
Refuse to Sign Any Quick Settlements
Don’t sign anything from the other driver’s insurance company, a lawyer for the other driver or even your own insurance company without having your attorney examine the document first. Even documents described as simple, non-controversial and necessary to begin the payment process on your claim can include fine print to limit the amount you can recover. The truth of the matter is that even your own insurance agent is working first for the insurance company and then for you. Your lawyer has only one interest – and it’s yours.
The Truth is Always the Best Bet
Your attorney will emphasize that honesty is the best policy. Don’t exaggerate injuries or try to be overly dramatic in explaining the impact of the accident on your daily life. It isn’t uncommon for insurance companies to hire investigators to conduct surveillance and look through social media to find evidence of your condition or any comments you’ve made about your accident. Some accident victims have been quite disappointed to find that things they’ve said about their car accident on Facebook were used against them in court.