Being involved in a car crash is a very harrowing experience, especially if you are injured. And if the accident happens while you are traveling, it can be even more confusing and stressful. You may not know what to do or who to turn to for help. Even though calling a lawyer might be the last thing on your mind, it is one of the most important things you can do after suffering a car crash while traveling. Here are six reasons why that will help you understand the importance of contacting a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.
The Law is Different in Every State
Every state has its laws regarding car accidents, you may not be familiar with the laws of the state where the accident occurred. Hiring a local car accident law firm will ensure that you have someone on your side who knows the ins and outs of the state’s law and can help you navigate the legal process.
For instance, if you were involved in an accident in Florence, SC, hiring a lawyer who specializes in car accidents in South Carolina would be your best bet, even if you have a good lawyer back home. Since different types of car accidents in Florence, SC can have different consequences, having a lawyer who knows the local law will be very beneficial to you. They will know what to expect and can help you get the best possible outcome for your case. This is especially important if you plan on filing a lawsuit.
The Insurance Company Is Not on Your Side
Even though you pay premiums to your insurance company every month, they are not necessarily on your side. Their main goal is to make money, and they will do whatever it takes to minimize the amount of money they have to pay out on claims. This means that they will try to lowball you on your settlement or deny your claim altogether. If you have been involved in an accident, the insurance company will likely contact you very quickly in an attempt to get you to settle for a lower amount than you deserve.
Do not fall for this trap! The insurance adjuster may seem like they are friendly and trying to help you, but they are trained to get you to settle for as little as possible. The best thing you can do is to contact a personal injury lawyer right away. Your lawyer will negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf and make sure you get the full amount of compensation you are entitled to.
You May Be Entitled to More Compensation Than You Realize
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, whether it was a minor fender bender or a serious multi-car pileup, you may be wondering if you’re entitled to any compensation. The answer is most definitely yes—in fact, you may be entitled to far more compensation than you realize.
Most people are unaware of the full extent of their rights and the potential for recompense after an accident. This is because car accident cases are often complex and can be difficult to win without the help of an experienced personal injury lawyer
From medical bills to lost wages, pain and suffering, and more, an attorney will fight to get you the full and fair compensation you deserve. For instance, you may not realize that you can recover damages for your emotional distress, which can be significant following a traumatic accident. You also may not realize that if the other driver was at fault, their insurance company is required by law to pay your legal fees—so even if you do win your case, you won’t be out of pocket for any of the costs associated with pursuing it.
The Statute of Limitations May Be Looming
If you’ve been in a car accident, it’s important to act fast. In most states, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit is two years from the date of the accident. However, it may vary depending on the circumstances of your particular case—for instance, if you were a minor at the time of the accident, or if the other driver was convicted of a crime in connection with the accident.
If you wait too long to file a lawsuit, you may be barred from doing so altogether. This is why it’s so important to seek legal counsel as soon as possible after an accident, to ensure that your rights are protected and that you don’t miss the deadline for filing a claim.
You will also need to gather evidence, including medical records and bills, police reports, witness statements, and more. It can be difficult to track down all of this information on your own, but an experienced attorney will know how to get it quickly and efficiently.
Whether you have been injured or not, it is always best to contact a lawyer as soon as possible after being involved in a car accident. An attorney can help you understand your rights, determine if you are entitled to compensation, and fight for the full and fair compensation you deserve. If you wait too long to seek legal counsel, you may miss your chance to get the compensation you need and deserve. So don’t delay— if you ever find yourself in a car accident while traveling, a lawyer should be your first call.
