If you have been injured in an accident you should not face the insurance companies alone. The insurance companies have attorneys and claims adjusters on their side to try and reduce your recovery. You need any attorney on your side to fight for you. Hiring the right attorney can help ensure you get the maximum recovery for your injuries. At Edwards legal we ready to stand by your side and fight to get you the recovery you deserve. Call us today for a free consultation.
There are limits to how long you can wait to file a lawsuit against someone who has hurt you. This time period is called the statute of limitations. The statute of limitations is different in every state. In California, the statute of limitations for personal injury suit is generally two years from the date of the injury. If you fail to file your lawsuit within this time you will you lose your right to sue. The time to file may be shorter for some cases like medical malpractice or work injuries that may require a workers’ compensation claim.
Usually, the first question an accident victim wants to know is: How much is the case worth? There are many factors that will determine how much your case is worth. Most of these factors will not be very clear immediately after the accident. Some of these factors include; the extent and nature of your injuries, medical expenses, loss of earnings and earning potential, who was at fault, and the amount of insurance coverage available, to name a few. As we gather more information in these areas, a reasonable range can be estimated. Call us today so we can start the process to determine the settlement value of your case.
When deciding to file a personal injury lawsuit, a major concern is how long the case will take to settle. The amount of time needed to settle a claim varies with each case. Some cases can be settled in a few months, some a few years. The extent of your injuries can play a large role in how long it takes to settle your case. Questions about the permanency and long-term effect of your injuries need to be answered before a proper amount of recovery can be negotiated. Accepting a “lowball” offer form an insurance company too quickly can be disastrous if you later suffer complications that would have been revealed in the months after the collision through a proper course of treatment.
In some cases, a reasonable settlement cannot be obtained from the insurance company and it becomes necessary to proceed to trial.
For these reasons, it can be difficult to determine how long it will take to settle your case until we have more details. Call us today to talk about your case.
After an accident there are several important steps you should take. Here are a few things for you to consider:
Are you Injured?
The most important factor to consider is your health. If you’re hurt in the accident you need to seek medical treatment as soon as possible. This is important for a more speedy recovery with fewer complications. It is also important because you are required to mitigate your loses when suing someone for your injuries. Failing to seek medical treatment and allowing your injuries to become worse is not a smart thing to do, and it will also hurt your case.
Sometimes you feel OK immediately after the accident but develop pain or discomfort the next day or later. When this happens, see a doctor immediately. Choosing the right doctor is also important. Although you may have a primary care Physician, there are benefits to seeing a doctor who specializes in injuries involving high impact collisions. Your attorney can help you locate doctors in your area.
Call the police
Filing a police report helps ensure that there is a proper record of the accident. Police will interview witnesses examine damages and sometimes take photos. You will be able to retrieve a copy of this report at a later time as a record of the incident.
Gather Info
It is also important that you gather other important information at the scene. You are required to exchange driver’s license and insurance information with other persons involved in the collision. Get the name and contact information of any witnesses at the scene. Use your camera phone to take photos of the damage to your vehicle as well as the other vehicles and property involved.
Statements
There may be discussions at the scene of the accident with witnesses and other parties at the location. Be careful not to admit fault for the accident or give statements to insurance company representatives who may contact you.
Call Edwards Legal
Immediately following the accident make sure to call us here at Edwards legal. We are ready to stand with you to protect your rights and get you recovery for your injuries. We can come to your home, office, or even the hospital to meet with you about your case.