Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyer

Motor vehicle accidents are never stress-free, and when injuries occur, they can be life-changing. Injuries can mean expensive medical treatment, lost wages from missing work to recover, and, in some cases, you may never return to the life you once had. When your accident is due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to recover financial compensation for your losses.

The motor vehicle accident lawyers associated with Ed Lake Law Group can help with filing personal injury claims and ensuring that your right to compensation is protected.

How Can a Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyer Help You?

Accidents can leave you feeling overwhelmed, and your personal injury claim may be just one of many worries. Hiring a motor vehicle accident lawyer means that they can focus on your claim while you focus on your recovery.

A motor vehicle accident lawyer can:

• Handle communicating with all involved parties, including insurance adjusters
• Negotiate with insurance companies
• Gather evidence to support your claim
• File paperwork
• Offer guidance on settlement offers
• Answer your questions and keep you updated on your claim
• Represent you in court, when necessary

What Compensation Can Be Recovered After a Motor Vehicle Accident?

Motor vehicle accidents can lead to severe injuries, including broken bones, lacerations, burns, spinal cord injuries (SCIs), and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) such as concussions. These injuries can have long-term effects on accident victims, and treatment may involve surgeries or physical rehabilitation.

When seeking compensation for personal injury claims, it’s essential to understand the full scope of your losses, including future medical needs that may arise due to your injuries. A personal injury attorney will listen to your story, analyze your medical records and finances, and understand your needs in order to fight for fair compensation for your injuries.

Recoverable losses could include:

• Medical Expenses: Both present and future medical care needs stemming from your accident injuries, including surgeries, rehabilitative or physical therapy, doctor and medical specialist appointments, diagnostic testing, and medications
• Job-Related Losses: Including lost wages due to missed work, loss of possible benefits such as salary increases and PTO, as well as diminished earning potential if your injuries prevent you from returning to your job
• Non-Economic Losses: Including physical pain and emotional distress, loss of quality of life, loss of consortium, and other non-economic damages that do not have a direct financial cost

If a loved one passed away following a motor vehicle accident, a wrongful death attorney may be able to help you recover financial compensation for your devastating loss.

The Importance of Proving Liability in Motor Vehicle Accident Claims

Successfully recovering compensation in personal injury claims relies on proving that your accident was due to someone else’s negligence. Negligence in motor vehicle accidents can include:

• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Failing to comply with posted traffic signs
• Speeding or other reckless driving
• Distracted driving, such as using a phone

In addition to other drivers, there may be other parties at fault as well. These can include mechanics, car manufacturers, or, in some cases, government entities. Common examples of negligence for non-drivers include:

• Failure to properly install parts in a vehicle, such as brakes
• Faulty parts
• Hazardous road conditions

Proving liability can be complicated. A motor vehicle accident attorney may do so in a variety of ways, including:

• Gathering and analyzing evidence from the accident scene
• Obtaining surveillance footage, such as from dash cams and traffic cameras
• Interviewing eyewitnesses
• Consulting with experts, such as those in highway safety or accident reconstruction
• Reviewing police reports

Important Laws That May Affect Your Personal Injury Claim

Depending on the state you live in, there will be specific laws related to whether accidents are at-fault or no-fault, or contain elements like contributory negligence. These laws can affect how insurance companies pay out claims following an accident.

• At-Fault States: The insurance of the person at fault provides compensation.
• No-Fault States: A driver’s personal insurance is the first line of compensation after an accident, regardless of fault. However, in many cases, personal injury protection (PIP) in these types of insurance policies will not cover all of your damages.
• Contributory Negligence: If you are partially at fault for your accident, your settlement will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were eligible for $100,000 in damages but were considered 30% at fault, then you would only receive $70,000.

Additionally, each state has its own statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits. A typical length of time is two to three years to pursue a personal injury lawsuit, but you will need to know the specific legal process of your state. An auto accident attorney can ensure that all paperwork regarding your claim is filed correctly and within any state-mandated deadlines.

What Should You Do If You’ve Been in a Motor Vehicle Accident?

Motor vehicle accidents are scary and disorienting. You may not know what to do after experiencing one. Below are some helpful dos and don’ts that can protect your safety and preserve your right to pursue the financial compensation that you are entitled to receive.

You should:

• Seek medical care. You should seek medical attention immediately by dialing 9-1-1. If you decide to forgo emergency medical care, you should still see a doctor as soon as possible to ensure that your injuries are properly diagnosed and treated.
• Call the police. In many states, you are mandated by law to report accidents where someone is hurt or property damage above a certain amount is done. Additionally, calling the police can help ensure the safety of everyone involved in the accident.
• Take photos. Document the accident scene and your injuries if your injuries permit you to do so.

However, you should not:

• Take blame. Avoid assuming who was at fault or assigning blame to yourself when talking to anyone involved.
• Post on social media. Avoid posting anything relating to the accident online.
• Confront others involved. Remain calm and avoid confronting the other driver.

Contact the Ed Lake Law Group Today

Accidents happen every day, but every case is unique. If you’ve been hurt in a motor vehicle accident and someone else was at fault, you deserve compensation for everything that you have lost. One of our associated motor vehicle accident attorneys can help you fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.

You can get a personal injury lawyer with no upfront fees because legal representation should be available to everyone. Contact Ed Lake Law Group today to get started on your case!