About 6.3 million car accidents got reported to police in 2016. Car wrecks that create damage and injuries require the backing of a legal professional who can protect you and your future interests. Getting into an accident is heartbreaking enough without you also being taken advantage of or unable to recoup the monetary payouts that you need. This guide teaches you what you should consider after a wreck so that you can touch base with a car accident lawyer.
What is the total value of the vehicle that got wrecked, and what work is required?
Consider the current value of your car and what it will take to either get it back to normal or replace it. Many people don't know their car's current value, particularly because vehicles depreciate over time. You should find out what value your car currently holds by consulting with your insurance provider. They will refer you to an adjuster, which means you can decide whether you need to move forward with repairs or if you need to buy a new vehicle.
What do you need from medical services and rehabilitation?
Medical industries are where the large payouts are with car accident cases. This is because injuries can cost huge sums of money, and might also involve ongoing treatments. Go to the emergency room or urgent care following the wreck to get X-rays and a physician's examination. The evaluation will be the starting point for your case and will let you know what kind of recovery track you will need with your case. Hold onto your medical documentation so that you can use it as evidence in court.
What happened in the accident, and how will it affect your case?
Schedule several meetings with your car accident lawyer so that you can move forward with the case knowing you have the right representation. Your car accident lawyer will need to prove your narrative of what happened in the case, and back it with facts and evidence. They will establish that the other driver was negligent and at fault in the case, down to the time of day the accident occurred, what caused it, what lane you both were driving in, and whether traffic laws and patterns were followed. Your lawyer will also help you to figure out whether your best chances of success are in a court case or negotiating settlements.
Contact a car accident lawyer for more information.