The Importance of a Car Accident Attorney
If you're involved in a car accident the first step is to contact the police. They will investigate the crash and complete an incident report. They will also document your injuries and losses.
Negotiations with insurance providers can be handled by a qualified car accident lawyer. They are well-versed in the tactics insurance companies use to deny or diminish honest claims.
Statute of limitations
A statute of limitations is a law enacted by a legislature that sets the time limit after an event within which legal action is able to be initiated. The laws are different based on the type of jurisdiction and the type however they all have provisions for criminal and civil cases. New York, for example has a three-year period of limitations for most personal injury claims. If a person decides to file a lawsuit after the time limit has expired, it is considered not timely and is dismissed. The purpose of the statute of limitations is to protect the rights of victims as evidence can become lost as time passes and the memories of witnesses could fade.
The statute of limitations can be used to discourage fraud by preventing people bringing claims after the deadline has been met. A statute of limitations is an essential tool for victims and shouldn't be tampered with by anyone. A lawyer can help clients understand their options with regard to the statute of limitations, and make sure that they file within the prescribed timeframe.
In some instances the statute of limitations may be "paused" or "tolled." For instance the plaintiff suffers injuries due to another's negligence and is not aware that they have sustained damages, the statute of limitations clock will not start until they are able to identify their injuries. This exception is called the discovery rule. It is also common for the statute of limitations to be extended in cases where the plaintiff was legally disabled or afflicted with mental illness at the time that the incident occurred.
Although most legal cases have an expiration date, some do not, including the most serious crimes like murder. This is due to the horrific nature of these crimes make it impossible for the prosecutor to obtain a fair trial. The victim could also be emotionally damaged, making it difficult for them to be a part of the court process. The victim is also likely to lose their memory of the incident, making it more difficult to file claims against the accountable person. A New York accident attorney can assist the victim to overcome this hurdle by identifying and determining the potential defendants.
Preparation
Car accidents can be traumatic for victims. Reno accident attorneys YouTube may incur expensive medical bills or even lose wages. Fortunately that a successful lawsuit can help compensate victims for these expenses. To maximize the amount of compensation they receive, car accident victims must have an experienced lawyer representing the case in negotiations or at trial. A lawyer will make sure that all evidence is properly documented and stored. This is essential for cases that go to court, since the opposing party could attempt to discredit you or doubt your injury claims.
One of the most important steps that a victim should take is to document the accident and their injuries. This includes taking pictures of the scene as well as obtaining witness statements. This will give the attorney valuable information about how the incident occurred, which can be used to gain leverage in settlement negotiations or a trial against the responsible driver. Another step is to seek medical attention as soon as possible. The faster a patient receives a diagnosis and treatment, the easier it will be to get the full compensation they deserve for their losses.
In the process of preparing for your first appointment with an accident lawyer make a note of everything you can remember about the crash while it is still fresh in your memory. This is particularly true in the event that you aren't sure how the accident occurred. This is because the details of an incident could fade over time. A legal consultation can assist you in deciding if hiring an attorney is the right option for your situation.
Before meeting with your attorney, you should go over all your documents and discuss the goals for your case. This will include a discussion on the amount of damages you are seeking and the amount you would like to get in the form of a settlement offer. Your attorney will explain any laws that may affect the outcome of the case, like the statutes of limitations.
A lawyer can help prepare for the deposition. This is a process in which you answer questions under oath regarding the facts of your case. The other party's lawyer will ask you questions about the accident, your injuries, and any other relevant issues in the case. You will be protected from inappropriate or embarrassing questions by having an attorney on your side.