Why It’s So Important to Consult with an Attorney After an Accident
- May 20, 2016
“If you have been injured in an accident, it is important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible.” You’ve heard it countless times before. But, do you really know why? Is it even true? What can an attorney really do for you that you can’t do on your own?
As it turns out, a lot.
What Can an Accident Attorney Do for You?
1. An Attorney Can Help You Understand the Full Extent of Your Losses.
After an accident (assuming that you see need to spend some time in the hospital), you are likely to have accident-related medical bills. You might miss a week or two (or maybe more) from work. So, this would be the extent of your losses, right?
Most likely not. As a general rule, when a person is injured in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, that person is entitled to financial compensation for all of his or her accident-related losses. Along with initial medical bills and lost wages, accident victims can recover a host of other types of “damages” as well. These damages can include future medical care, rehabilitation and therapy, prescription costs, compensation for the lost ability to earn a living if you can’t perform your old job, and even things like pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life.
In most serious accident cases, victims have no idea about the full extent of their losses. Unfortunately, the insurance companies know this, too, and this is why they typically try to settle cases as soon as possible.
2. An Attorney Can Help You Avoid Settling Too Soon.
After a serious accident that is someone else’s fault, you are likely to receive a settlement offer from the insurance company. They like to settle serious accident cases quickly. This isn’t because they want to help you get back on your feet. It’s because they want to pay you as little as possible.
While an initial settlement offer may sound tempting (maybe even in the thousands or tens of thousands of dollars), it will likely be far less than you are actually owed. An attorney can help you understand the true extent of your losses, so that you can seek maximum compensation.
3. An Attorney Can Act Quickly to Protect Your Rights.
Just having an attorney on your side won’t convince the insurance companies to pay what they owe. Convincing them takes evidence, and a demonstrated willingness to go to trial.
After a collision, evidence begins to disappear right away. From skid marks to witnesses’ memories, any proof of the cause of your injuries needs to be collected as soon as possible. An experienced accident attorney will be able to act quickly, and hire trusted investigators and reconstructionists in order to collect the evidence that you need to prove your claim.
Speak with a Poughkeepsie, NY Accident Attorney at Stenger, Diamond & Glass LLP
If you would like to speak with an attorney about seeking fair compensation for your accident-related losses, we invite you to contact us for a complimentary consultation. To get started, call (866) 290-6929 or contact us online today.