It’s never easy to get back on your feet after a car accident, even if the crash itself took only a moment. Depending on the circumstances, recovery can require weeks, months, or even years. This is especially true if you are trying to cope with the results of someone else’s carelessness behind the wheel.
If an accident has changed your life, you may be staring at a mountain of medical bills, lost wages, and insurance companies who are reluctant to cooperate. A Seattle auto accident lawyer can make all the difference. An experienced lawyer can fight on your behalf and make sure your voice is heard in a court of law.
How a Seattle Auto Accident Lawyer Can Help
A car accident claim seems fairly straightforward. In practice, insurance companies will do everything they can to avoid compensating you, but an auto accident lawyer can help. Their process includes:
1. Investigating the Accident
The claims department at the other driver’s insurance company is not your friend — they want to pay out as little as possible. A lawyer can make sure you receive what you’re entitled to from their agency and, if need be, take things to a court of law.
2. Negotiating with Insurance Companies
The legal process, even something as simple as an insurance claim, can be difficult to master. Hiring a car accident attorney means someone is there to make sure nothing was overlooked. Keeping up with paperwork and making sure your filing deadlines aren’t missed might be a trivial detail to them, but it can be a matter of life and death in your case.
3. Handling All Legal Paperwork
The amount of damages you are eligible for can never be guaranteed, but a qualified attorney can fight on your behalf in court to maximize your award.
4. Maximizing Your Compensation
Car accidents can lead to various expenses, including:
- Medical bills (hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy)
- Lost wages if you’re unable to work.
- Vehicle repairs or replacement
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
If you do get into a crash, there are some things you can do in the immediate aftermath to maximize your chances of a favorable outcome:
What to Do After a Car Accident
- Call 911 to get the police to come to the scene so you can get a copy of their report.
- Even if you’re not in pain, seek medical attention. Many car accident injuries don’t present themselves right away, and the sooner you receive medical attention, the better for your overall health.
- Take plenty of pictures. Make sure you document the scene and your injuries, and get plenty of photos of your vehicle. Get some of the other drivers, too.
- You’ll need to get a copy of the police report, so get as much information as you can about the driver and their insurance information.
The more of these actions you can do, the more likely it is that you’ll recover damages.
A car crash can change everything—a Seattle car wreck attorney can help you put it back together. They can help you stand up for your rights, handle the legal details, and help you get the compensation you’re owed. Don’t wait until after your car accident—speak with a lawyer today to start putting your life back together.
