Driving is so ingrained into our daily lives that we often take our time on the road for granted. Accidents are so common that most people have either been in one or know someone who has. While many are lucky enough to be unhurt, others are not so fortunate. An attorney can help you get compensation for your injuries from the person responsible.
To begin a car accident case, you should get help from an experienced attorney. They can assist you in filing insurance claims to try to cover your damages. In many cases, insurance is not enough, leaving drivers with damages they cannot afford. In such cases, your attorney should help you sue the other driver. We may prepare for a full trial, or you may reach a settlement with the defendant. Your attorney can help you determine which option works best for you.
Call The Reiff Law Firm at (215) 709-6940 and start your case with a free legal evaluation from our car accident attorneys.
What Do I Need to Start a Car Accident Lawsuit in Quakertown, PA?
Starting a lawsuit is harder than most people realize. You need more than just your word to begin the case, and courts might not accept your case if you do not have anything to back up your claims.
Call a Lawyer
First, you should call a lawyer for help. Filing a lawsuit is not just difficult; it can also be complex and time-consuming. Many plaintiffs spend months or longer just preparing their claims before anything is even filed. Your attorney can help you begin the case, advise you of your legal options, and determine what your claims are worth.
Exhaust Your Insurance Options
Even if you know from the very start that you want to sue the other driver in a car accident, it is important to still at least start the insurance claims process. Courts often want plaintiffs to completely to try to settle the case, and they may not allow it to go to trial unless you have made a good faith effort to settle through insurance negotiations.
However, it may be a strong strategy to aggressively pursue damages through both insurance negotiations and a lawsuit from the beginning to increase the pressure on the insurance company.
Gather Evidence
We must have evidence of your claims when we file the case. Many people think of evidence as something that comes up in court, but we need it from the very beginning of the case. If we file a formal complaint without any evidence to support your claims, it will likely be rejected. Our car accident attorneys need to show the court that your claims are valid, that you have a valid cause of legal action, and that your claims have evidentiary support.
FAQs About How to Get Financial Compensation After a Car Accident in Quakertown, PA
What Should I Do After a Car Crash in Quakertown, PA?
After a car accident, you should immediately call 911 if you or anyone else is injured in any way. Even if someone has seemingly minor injuries, call 911, get medical attention, and contact law enforcement. As you wait for help you arrive, exchange information with the other drivers and try to take pictures of the accident scene.
How Soon After a Car Accident Should I Hire a Lawyer?
You should contact an attorney about your car accident as soon as possible after the accident. While you should get medical attention first, getting legal help should be a close second priority. If possible, contact a lawyer when you get home from the hospital. If you are severely injured and cannot leave the hospital for a while, have a friend or family member call a lawyer for you.
Should I File an Insurance Claim or a Lawsuit After a Car Accident?
You may need to file both. Generally, drivers file insurance claims after car accidents almost as a matter of routine. This is why drivers are required to have auto insurance in the first place. Unfortunately, many drivers find that their damages exceed insurance policy limits or that their claims are denied. In that case, drivers may need to sue.
How Do I Get Evidence for My Car Accident Case?
Evidence may be obtained from the scene of the accident in many cases, although some evidence could come from elsewhere, depending on your circumstances. Many drivers take pictures and record videos while waiting for help. These recordings may be submitted as part of an insurance claim or used as evidence in a lawsuit. We should also speak to other drivers and passengers who can testify as witnesses.
What Are My Damages Worth in a Car Accident Lawsuit?
Your damages may be worth more than you realize, especially if your injuries are severe. Typically, injured drivers seek damages for medical expenses and vehicle damage, both of which may be astronomical. It is not unusual for these costs alone to exceed thousands of dollars. You may also claim lost income if your injuries prevent you from working, and additional damages for pain and suffering. Many car accident cases are worth several thousand dollars or even tens of thousands. A particularly severe accident could exceed six figures.
Can I Get Compensation from a Lawsuit and an Insurance Claim at the Same Time?
No. While you may file insurance claims and lawsuits for the full extent of your damages, you may not collect compensation for the same damages twice. For example, if your health insurance covers $10,000 of your medical costs, you may still sue for the same $10,000 from the at-fault driver. If you win, your health insurance company will demand repayment and may file a subrogation claim.
Will it Take a Long Time to Get Compensation After a Car Accident?
Possibly. How long it takes to receive compensation depends on the legal action we take and the facts of your case. Some injured drivers are fortunate enough to have their damages covered by insurance within a few weeks. Others might go back and forth with the insurance company for a few months before getting compensation. If you file a lawsuit, it may take months before your trial is completed, and several more weeks to receive compensation.
Do I Have to Have a Trial if I File a Lawsuit After a Car Crash?
No. While a trial will be scheduled if you file a lawsuit, there may be other ways to get compensation without having to go to a full trial. Many civil cases, including car accident lawsuits, are settled outside of court in private settlements. In such cases, there is no need for a trial, and legal proceedings may be cut short.
Do I Need to Call the Police After a Car Accident in Quakertown, PA?
You might not be legally required to call the police for minor accidents, but it is a good idea to call the police anyway. You are, however, required to report any accident involving injuries.
The police may investigate the crash scene, write a formal report, and help us determine who is responsible. The police report may also be necessary when we file an insurance claim.
Will the At-Fault Driver in a Car Accident Be Criminally Charged?
Possibly. Causing a car accident is not necessarily a crime, and many at-fault drivers do not face criminal charges. However, a driver could be charged depending on how they caused the accident. Especially reckless behavior may lead to charges. Drivers are commonly charged if they cause accidents while intoxicated.
Reach Out to Our Car Accident Lawyers in Quakertown, PA for Legal Help Now
Call The Reiff Law Firm at (215) 709-6940 and start your case with a free legal evaluation from our car accident attorneys.
