Car Accident Lawyer Edwardsville
When you get into a bad car accident, you can suffer from terrible injuries that can cause you financial deficiencies. You might be temporarily disabled, forcing you to stay home and miss time from work. Car accidents happen all the time, but once in a while, they are catastrophic and sometimes fatal. Injuries that result in high medical expenses can be compensated through a settlement with the help of your car accident lawyer.
After your car accident, you can speak to a knowledgeable attorney who can review your situation. They can inform you of whether or not the other party is at fault. When the other party is negligent, your attorney can hold them liable for your wounds. To get a free consultation, contact Hipskind & McAninch LLC today for a free consultation.
How Long Do I Have to File an Edwardsville Car Accident Lawsuit?
Your personal injury claim can only be filed a maximum of two years after the date of the accident. This means that as soon as you’ve been harmed, exactly two years later is how long you have to seek compensation. In some circumstances, this statute of limitations can be extended. For example, if a minor was involved or if you were traveling, the personal injury claim can be settled after the two-year limit. After your Edwardsville car accident lawyer reviews your car accident claim, they can let you know when your deadline is.
What Steps Should I Take If I’m Involved in a Car Accident in Edwardsville?
If you are involved in a car accident, it is important to take the following steps:
Get Medical Attention
You should call 911 and get the paramedics on the scene after your auto accident. Police will also show up to file a report.
Collect Evidence
Take photos of the accident scene and damage to both cars. You can also take pictures of your own injuries.
Get Contact Information
Exchange information with the other driver, including name, address, phone number, insurance company, and policy number. Get the names and contact information of any witnesses.
File Police Report
When you call 911, the police will be sent to your location. Notify the police of any injuries and whether or not you are at fault. They will file an official report.
Call Insurance Company
You should let your insurance company know what happened. Insurers typically cover some expenses for car accidents and in some cases your medical bills as well.
Speak to Your Attorney
Car crash lawyers will guide you through your auto accident claim. They will represent you and help you settle your personal injury damages. When Edwardsville car accident lawyers can’t receive a settlement, they’ll instead file personal injury lawsuits for their clients.
How Do Car Accident Lawyers Help?
Car accident attorneys help you file a claim and negotiate with the insurance company. They can also help you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Types of tasks that car accident attorneys handle include:
Investigation
They review evidence from the scene of the accident, such as photos and witness statements. Attorneys obtain police reports and medical records to determine the extent of your injuries and how they may have been caused. They also consult with experts, such as accident reconstruction analysts, to determine fault in the accident.
Negotiation of Settlement
They negotiate with insurance adjusters on your behalf to ensure you get a fair settlement for your injuries and damages. Your Edwardsville car accident lawyer will use evidence from the auto accident and the estimation of your damages to show how much you should receive. They will make sure they get fair compensation and show how the other party was responsible for your car crash. Even if you were partially at fault, you can still receive fair compensation for the percentage of the damages you were not liable for.
Representation in Court
Personal injury attorneys will represent your car wreck claim in court if the other party refuses to settle. In this case, the other party would not negotiate your terms for the settlement. The state court takes over your car crash claim and issues a judgment that can be legally enforced.
Guidance Throughout Claim
A car crash can be devastating and stressful. Your car accident lawyer has experience in managing cases for clients harmed in motor vehicle accidents. They’ll guide you through the process and direct you to the next steps.
How Much Will I Receive in Settlement Money?
There are several key factors to consider when your attorney calculates how much settlement money you should receive.
Severity of Injuries
Whether you require ongoing medical treatment or will recovery be relatively quick will change how much in the settlement you receive. Also, the time you missed from work due to your injuries is considered part of your damage. If you incurred any other financial or emotional losses as a result of the accident will also increase your settlement amount.
Property Damage
If you had to pay for costly repairs or were forced to replace the vehicle altogether will also influence your settlement total. This is especially if this impacts your finances and mobility.
Your Percentage of Liability
If you contributed to the accident in any way, such as by driving recklessly or failing to follow traffic laws, your settlement will be reduced. The percentage you were at fault for will be detracted from the settlement total.
Additional Factors
Some circumstances may reduce your liability in the accident, such as extreme weather conditions or hazardous road conditions. In some cases, the local city, construction company, or manufacturer may be liable for your car accident.
Why Work With an Attorney
If you are considering filing a lawsuit for your car accident, it is important to consult with an experienced attorney. Your attorney can advise you on your legal rights and options. They may recommend you first settle outside of court to save time. Attorneys find proof that the other party was liable for your injuries. For example, if the other party was distracted driving and denied it, your attorney will find ways to prove that they weren’t paying attention to the road. They will also accurately estimate how much you should receive in compensation. For example, pain and suffering damages make up most of your settlement, but insurance companies tend to leave this amount out. Instead of letting the other party’s insurance adjuster estimate how much your settlement is worth, your attorney can accurately calculate it for you. With the help of an attorney, you can make informed decisions about your claim and get the compensation you deserve. Call Hipskind & McAninch LLC today for a free consultation.