What Should I Do After a Car Accident in Pennsylvania?
None of us ever think that we will be the victims of a careless of reckless driver and find ourselves involved in an accident. Accidents happen to other people—don’t they? Unfortunately, we all know the answer; anyone can be involved in an accident at any time.
If you are unlucky enough to be involved in an accident, one of the first things that you ask yourself is “Should I contact a lawyer?” Of course most of us never have hired a lawyer in our lives and never even thought that we would ever need to hire one. You then may think, “Maybe I don’t need a lawyer and I can handle this myself?” Generally speaking, that is a bad idea.
Why Do You Need to Hire a Lawyer Immediately After Your Car Accident?
Why should you hire a lawyer? Initially following an accident you usually will find that a representative of the responsible party’s insurance company will be calling you soon after the accident. Many times these calls start the day OF the accident. We have had clients contacted in the Emergency room! We have had insurance company adjusters show up at our client’s home the day AFTER the accident! These people are only doing their job. What is their job? Their job is to pay you the least amount of money and close your file as soon as possible. Once you accept their offer to settle and sign their paperwork your case if finished. There are no “two bites of the apple”. You are through.
What Are the Benefits to Hiring a Car Accident Attorney?
Instead of handling a case by yourself, you definitely should hire a qualified and experienced trial lawyer. Many times your personal attorney or family friend attorney is the best place to start. If he or she does not handle personal injury cases, they are in a great position to refer you to someone they trust. If you do not know an attorney, then research the internet for a good trial lawyer, ask your friends, ask family members or check with your co-workers. You are looking for a law firm experienced in the type of accident in which you were involved. Ask some questions: Is the lawyer qualified? Are they a Trial Lawyer? Have they tried cases like yours? Are they experienced? Are they respected by their peers—Are they A.V. Rated with Martindale Hubble? Have they been selected Super Lawyers. Make sure they have not had dealings with the Disciplinary Board. Most important, make sure that you can trust them and that they have a history of excellent results.
An experienced Trial Lawyer is here to help you through difficult times. They are never in a great rush to resolve your case for the sake of resolving. Trial lawyers are in the “what if business”—unlike insurance companies!! What if you don’t get better? What if your injuries get worse over time? What if you need surgery? What if you can’t work? What if you can’t support your family? Etc. Etc. These questions take time and patience sometimes is the best guide. Insurance companies HATE patience!
Additionally, each and every case is unique. Insurance laws and laws governing your case can be complicated. What insurance policies apply? Who will pay my medical bills? Do I need to pay my medical bill insurance company back? What if I am working when the accident occurs? Can I receive workers compensation AND still recover from the responsible party? What are the time deadlines? If I was not eligible for workers compensation who will pay my lost wages? Who will pay for my car? How much is my case worth! Again, every case is different and a qualified Trial Lawyer can help you through the ordeal and place you on equal footing with the insurance company.
Schedule a Free Consultation with Our Car Accident Lawyers
The only thing more important than hiring a lawyer after a car accident is seeking medical attention. So, if you are involved in an accident through no fault of your own, be cautious. Contact an experienced trial lawyer as soon as possible. The lawyer will do everything to preserve all of the evidence, investigate the accident, secure the accident scene, obtain photos, contact the police, interview witnesses and make sure that your case will be ready for trial or settlement down the road. Your lawyer will also collect all of your medical and employment documentation and will work with your medical providers to make sure the insurance company understands the extent of your injuries and damages now and into the future. Everything that your lawyer will do for you is to protect you and make sure that you are fully protected and receive a fair resolution to your claim.
The bottom line is this: DON’T GO IT ALONE! Trial Lawyers are here to help you. Make sure that you hire a good one, and you will be protected!!
If you are involved in an accident feel free to contact the Trial Lawyers at Dougherty Leventhal & Price, LLP. We are here to help. Remember: Injury? Call DLP! (570) C-A-L-L-D-L-P.
