Car Accidents

Assuming you have left the scene of the accident and dealt with the immediate aftermath of the crash, the first thing you should do is seek medical attention. Even fender benders can cause whiplash injuries and other bodily harm. Failing to document any injuries suffered in an accident makes it much harder to prove your damages and compensation.

The same line of thinking applies to any property damage to your vehicle or other personal property that may have been damaged in the crash. Make sure to get repair and/or replacement estimates for property damaged during the crash so that there is a record of the losses. Create the strongest possible record by taking color photographs of any vehicle and property damage. If you hire a personal injury attorney like Avrek Law Firm, your attorney’s office will likely help you with the property damage portion of your claim.

While you should report the accident to your insurance provider in a timely manner, it is always the best practice to speak with an attorney first – the insurer may offer an initial settlement that is not in your best interest. You should never, under any circumstance, speak with another driver’s insurer or give any type of statement as they may be used against you.

The auto accident claim process is a minefield for the inexperienced. In theory, the insurance companies are supposed to oversee the process in an equitable manner, but they consistently put their needs before those of accident victims. Hiring the attorneys at Avrek Law Firm ensures your needs come first. This means personalized attention and the recovery of maximum compensation for all losses suffered during an auto accident.

The question of how much a car accident victim is entitled to is not only one of the most frequently asked questions, but it is also the most difficult to answer. A better way to answer this question is to outline what a victim may be entitled to so you may then discuss with an attorney. Car accident victims are typically eligible to receive compensation for:

• Medical bills and hospital expenses, including future medical costs
• Rehabilitations
• Lost wages and lost earning capacity
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering

It is vital to keep detailed records related to the auto accident. Lost work time and wages, pain and suffering, limitation incurred because of the accident and all out-of-pocket expenses, like transportation, medical treatments, physical therapy, and medicine, should all be carefully documented. Additionally, follow all doctor’s orders to the letter – failure to do so could be viewed by another party that your injuries and suffering are less severe than you claim.

Similar to the question of how much a lawsuit is worth, who can be the subject of a lawsuit depends on the details specific to your case. The obvious defendant in a car accident case is the driver of the vehicle that is at fault, but depending on the actual circumstances, a number of other parties can be held liable for damages.

For example, if your car was recently repaired incorrectly and this caused you to crash, the repair technician might bear responsibility. Similarly, if you were struck by a drunk driver who was served drinks at a local establishment despite being obviously intoxicated, the server or establishment could be found at fault. A government agency that designed a dangerous intersection or roadway section is another possible defendant. In short, any party that contributed to the accident by acting carelessly or recklessly can have a lawsuit brought against them.

Each type of lawsuit has a filing deadline. For example, in California, there is a “statute of limitations” for personal injury cases, which is typically two years from the date of the accident for public or government entities. The statute of limitations is one year for medical malpractice claims in California, but every state is different, so it is important to call a personal injury attorney as soon as possible so you know your rights.

Based on the terms of your auto insurance policy, your insurer should pay for auto accident damages that you caused. It may also cover you for damage caused by a driver who has no auto insurance (uninsured motorist coverage). Insurers are bound by law to fulfill policy terms. A denied claim, underpaid claim or untimely payment could constitute insurance bad faith, which is also a type of case on which Avrek Law Firm works.

Avrek Law Firm accepts personal injury cases on a contingency basis, meaning you do not pay any legal fees unless your claim is successfully resolved. At that point, you will pay Avrek Law Firm a percentage of the total award or settlement. The percentage is agreed upon when you decide to hire our firm to represent you. If you do not win or settle the case, you do not pay any legal fees.

We understand that you have many choices when it comes to resolving motor vehicle accidents. Avrek Law Firm’s attorneys have more than 50 years of personal injury case experience, and many of our top settlements and judgements speak clearly for our successful track record in handling auto accident cases. We feel that we give clients that best possible chance to obtain maximum compensation, and our many satisfied clients will agree.