Time Sensitive Personal Injury Matters
After an accident, timing is important. If you make the right move at the wrong time, your ability to be paid what you deserve for the accident could be in trouble. When a careless driver impacts your life, you need to know what to do and when to do it. Read on and find out more.
Don't Make Big Decisions – It's been said that a wise person won't make decisions right after a big life event. That goes for accident decisions too. Don't be rushed into giving statements to the insurer, for example, or anything else until you are well enough. Never make decisions while still hospitalized or when under the influence of medication either.
Let a Lawyer Help You – One decision that is best made early is to speak to a lawyer. A personal injury lawyer can guide you to make better decisions when the time comes and will make sure you don't wait too long to file a lawsuit should that become necessary. All states have time limits on filing suits after which you cannot seek compensation.
Don't Allow Bills to Pile Up – Many insurers are in no hurry to help you get back on your feet. The other driver's insurance company may delay paying your medical bills, for instance, and that can make creditors come after you. Your credit could be ruined if you don't act. Speak to your lawyer and a letter will be sent to the insurer warning them to make payments on your medical expenses, your wrecked vehicle, and more as agreed under the terms of the other driver's policy. That may be all it takes to get things paid and caught up.
Don't Allow Evidence to Get Lost – Memories fade quickly but you may need your eyewitnesses to testify for you to show fault. In most cases, witnesses are listed on the accident report prepared by law enforcement. Your personal injury lawyer will contact them as soon as possible and get them to make statements about what they saw. Those statements can be used not only in court but to smooth the way for a settlement out of court as well.
Don't Settle Too Soon – Finally, you won't be doing yourself any favors by accepting a quick settlement offer if you expect to have more medical needs in the future. You must know what will be needed regarding future medical treatment costs before you settle the case.
Time can be on your side after an accident, but only if you seek professional legal help and do things in the right order.