Archives March 2022

7 Primary Reasons To Hire A Car Accident Attorney

The moments following an automobile wreck can be confusing, painful and overwhelming. You could be left with mental or physical injuries from the accident and questions on the best way to move forward. One of the things car accident victims consider is whether to hire a Car Accident Attorney in West Palm Beach. You may wonder if a lawyer is always necessary after a mishap.

The truth is that an Accident attorney plays a vital role when it comes to fighting for your rightful compensation and ensuring your rights are well protected during the claim process. Let’s discuss some of the primary reasons to hire an experienced auto accident lawyer here.

A Good Knowledge of the Law

Unless you have specialized legal training, chances are that you may not know what laws pertain to your specific situation, including comparative fault and the statute of limitations on a personal injury claim. An experienced attorney has a deep understanding of personal injury law. They can help you identify the legal issues and relevant laws related to your incident and help you understand how they are interpreted within the local court system. When you enlist the services of an Injury attorney who clearly understands the law, you increase the odds of winning the case and recovering full compensation for your injuries not discounted justice or insurance company justice.

Handling Insurance Companies

Many car accident victims immediately file claims with their insurance companies. Dealing with insurance companies without legal backup can result in very low and unfair compensation. Remember that the insurance adjuster is more concerned about the profitability of their company rather than offering you the full compensation you deserve for your pain, suffering, and human damages.
An experienced attorney knows how to handle negotiations with insurance companies to help you win the most compensation possible. They know the insurance laws that may impact your accident case and can interpret the provisions of an insurance policy’s language that applies to coverage, exclusions and limitations. All this will increase your odds of getting full  compensation for your neck, back, shoulder, knee, head or other injuries sustained in a car crash. Determining the Amount of Compensation

A proficient accident attorney in West Palm Beach will help the injured person to determine the amount of compensation they are entitled to. The type and amount of compensation a victim is entitled to may change with time and the course of the medical treatment process. An experienced lawyer will ensure the victim receives compensation for their medical expenses, lost wages or income, pain and suffering, car repairs, physical therapy, loss of consortium and other issues. The lawyer may subpoena the health care provider or facility where the treatment was rendered for certified records of the expenses so that they are introduced at arbitration or trial. Proving Liability

A successful auto accident lawsuit depends on whether you can prove liability in court. Proving liability may be trickier than you think. Even if the police and witnesses reports state the other driver was at fault, proving that they were careless enough to breach a duty of care to you can be tough. An Injury lawyer will work to prove the following four element of fault or negligence:

  • You were owed  a duty of care by the at-fault party
  • The at-fault party breached this duty
  • You sustained injuries due to the breach of duty
  • You suffered losses due to your injuries

There are many factors that contribute to winning a car accident lawsuit. It is highly advisable that you enlist the services of an accident attorney who is experienced in personal injury claims. An experienced accident lawyer can provide references to cases and citations that support your cause. Supporting Your Claim With Evidence

Your car accident claim is only as strong as the evidence you can provide. By carrying out a thorough investigation of your accident, your lawyer will collect sufficient evidence that connects your injuries to the accident. This evidence will be used to prove your claim to insurers and in court, if necessary.  Evidence in your case may include:

  • Video footage from cameras at nearby businesses or from witnesses
  • Accident scene photos from intersection cameras or witnesses
  • Cell phone photos
  • Accident reports
  • Statements from witnesses
  • Medical records
  • Medical scans and tests

In some cases, an accident reconstruction expert is needed to help determine how the crash occurred and who was at fault. A knowledgeable expert can also determine whether a vehicle defect caused the accident as well. Explaining Settlement Options

Apart from helping collect sufficient evidence to prove your claim, your lawyer will help you understand your settlement options. You may not know this but most car accident cases are settled out of court. This means that the at-fault party or their insurance company will likely make you a compensatory offer. Your auto accident attorney will help you understand the repercussions of accepting their offer as once it is accepted, you won’t be able to sue them ever again. The lawyer will also help you determine whether to accept the offer or negotiate for a better deal accordingly. Filing a Court Case

If the out of court negotiations do not work out as planned, your lawyer will help you seek justice in court. This may turn out to be a more time-consuming and expensive affair. If you attempt to do this on your own, the at-fault party and their insurance company might try to stop you from suing them. With a knowledgeable and seasoned attorney on your side, you won’t have to succumb to such pressure or let go of your claim.

The lawyer will help you file your case and ensure that all the necessary documents are submitted. In court, your lawyer will offer you excellent and highly skilled legal representation, answer all questions on your behalf and keep you updated on the court proceeding. The lawyer will present all the available evidence strategically and utilize their tricks and tactics. All this will help to increase the chances of getting full compensation and full justice for your injuries.
Going through a car accident is never easy. In some cases, accidents change your life forever. A seasoned auto accident trial lawyer will help you recover financially so you can continue to fend for yourself or your loved one. However, you must hire a car accident attorney in west palm beach who is concerned about your well-being and treats your case with personal attention and dedication.

The team of trial attorneys at RFH Legal takes the time to educate you on the process and fight tirelessly to see full and fair civil justice for your injuries.   If you need help with your claim, contact our legal team at RFH Legal. We will help you in your time of need and take on the insurance company to secure the full compensation you deserve.

What to Do After a Car Accident That Is Your Fault

Even a simple distraction can take your attention off the road for a few seconds but that’s all it takes. If you collided with another car in the intersection, you may think it was probably your fault. What do you do now?

Getting in a car accident can be a frightening experience. When the collision is your fault, it can feel even worse. There are some common-sense steps to take right after any car accident. Even if you may be at fault for the collision, there are a few things you should never do.

What To Do After an Accident

No matter how careful you are, you can be involved in a car accident. Remember these steps to protect your rights and save you hassle down the road.

  • Call the police: In many states, you are required to call the police after an accident.
  • Check for injuries: Call for an ambulance if you are not certain about the severity of the injuries.
  • Exchange information: Get the phone numbers, email addresses, and insurance policy information of the other drivers and any witnesses.
  • Don’t block traffic: If the accident is minor, move your car out of the roadway.
  • Take pictures: Use the camera on your cell phone to record the accident scene and damage to the cars. Make a note if surrounding businesses may have cameras that captured the accident or if there are cameras mounted on the traffic lights.
  • Make notes: Immediately record facts about the accident, including specific damages to all vehicles involved, witness information, and comments by the other drivers.
  • File a report: If the police do not come to the scene of the accident, file a report with the police department or the department of motor vehicles. Some regions even offer online car accident reporting systems.
  • Call your insurance company: Report all accidents to your car insurance carrier regardless of fault. Some insurance plans require you to report accidents immediately or they will increase your rates.

Don’t Do It If You Are Involved in a Crash

There are a few things you should not do if you’re legally responsible for a car accident.

  • Don’t yell: Emotions can run high right after an accident. Don’t get mad or accuse the other driver of anything.
  • Don’t admit fault: Even if you think you caused the accident, do not say you caused the accident to the police or the other driver. Likewise, do not apologize for the accident. The other driver may be partially at fault for the collision or the severity of the damages.
  • Don’t discuss the accident: You shouldn’t talk about the details of the accident with the other party, their insurance company, or their attorney. Be honest with the police and your insurance company by giving the facts. Consider talking to an attorney for legal advice.
  • Don’t negotiate: The side of the road, right after an accident is not the time or place to be signing statements regarding fault or promising to pay for the damage. Let the insurance companies do their job.
  • Don’t be first to leave: After the police have made their report, wait until the other drivers have left the scene before you depart.

If You Caused a Car Accident, Get an Attorney’s Help

Causing a car accident can have serious consequences. Personal injuries and car repairs can cost a bundle. If you don’t have enough insurance to cover all the damages, the other drivers may attach your savings or other assets to make up the difference. You need to protect your interests. Get help from an experienced auto accident attorney.