Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accident Cases
October 6th, 2020
The last thing anyone wants to experience is getting involved in a car crash.
Unfortunately, while you may practice and comply with all safety measures when driving, there are far too many negligent drivers out there who get behind the wheel and drive carelessly.
When you are involved in a car accident, not only can it be a troubling experience, both physically and mentally, but it can also be rather confusing. You are likely to have many questions regarding the incident and how you can hold the responsible party accountable.
The Austin car accident attorneys at Ramos James Law, PLLC, are well-versed in dealing with these types of cases, and so, we have compiled a list of some of the most common questions plaintiffs have about how to handle a car accident.
FAQs About Car Accident Cases
1. Do I need to reach out to an attorney after an accident?
Being involved in a car accident can be both a traumatic situation and a drawn-out experience. As a victim, you will likely have to deal with insurance companies, medical expenses, property damages, potential injuries and a host of other issues associated with the accident. Dealing with all this on your own can be nearly impossible if you don’t know exactly what you are doing.
That is why, while it is not legally required for you to seek out the support of an attorney, it is still in your best interest to do so. A qualified car accident lawyer, like those at Ramos James Law, PLLC, can help to carry the weight of the situation and guide you through the entire legal process to ensure you are properly compensated for the damages you have suffered.
2. How soon should I seek out legal assistance after an accident?
When you’ve been involved in any kind of collision, whether it be with another private driver or a trucker on work duty, consulting with an experienced attorney as soon as possible is one of the smartest decisions you can make.
The quicker you get in touch with a car accident attorney, the sooner the attorney can begin evaluating your potential claim and devising legal options for you. This is especially pertinent when evidence needs to be gathered immediately or when you have suffered catastrophic injuries which lead to substantial medical bills. Additionally, the longer you wait to file a claim, the more difficult it can become to prove that you suffered as a result of the accident.
Also, please take into consideration that the Texas statute of limitations only provides you with a two (2) year window to file a claim, starting from the date the incident took place.
3. What do I do if I have suffered injuries?
If you or a loved one suffer injuries as the result of a collision, it is vital to obtain medical care immediately following the accident.
Even if you don’t feel any symptoms right away, many injuries suffered in car crashes do not become apparent until a few hours – or even days – after the accident.
It is crucial to save any medical-related documentation when receiving medical treatment. These will prove to be valuable evidence and can include hospital bills, medication prescriptions, documentation such as MRI, X-ray, or CT scan results, doctor’s notes, or treatment plans. All of this can be used to establish negligence and liability.
4. Should I give a statement to any insurance company?
Though dealing with an insurance company is essentially inevitable when involved in a car accident, it is in your best interest NOT to give any sort of statement, written or verbally, to any insurance company or adjuster before consulting with an attorney.
Unfortunately, your words can be turned against you to make it appear as if you are liable for the incident or to attempt to prove that you did not suffer much damage as a result of the accident. An experienced attorney can deal with bad faith insurance companies on your behalf and fight tooth-and-nail to help you secure the settlement you deserve.
5. What kind of compensation is recoverable in a car accident claim?
Some of the most notable damages that are recoverable in car crash claim include but are not limited to:
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- Medical expenses (past, present, and future)
- Lost wages as a result of an inability to work
- Out-of-pocket expenses related to the accident
- Vehicle damage expenses
- Pain and suffering (physical and emotional)
- Loss of consortium/companionship
- Loss of quality of life
- Funeral and burial expenses (in wrongful death claims)
Trustworthy Austin Accident Attorneys Ready to Fight for You!
Should you be involved in a traffic accident, the Austin car accident attorneys of Ramos James Law, PLLC, are here to help you!
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