Do You Need a Car Accident Lawyer?
When an insurance company makes an offer to settle a claim, you should always consider it carefully. Insurance companies have a history of offering low-ball settlements after accidents. These offers are made for several reasons, including the desire to minimize their costs. However, you should remember that the insurance company must act in good faith and be willing to explain their decision to you. If they assume that you will simply accept their offer, they can increase their profits. If you don’t want to accept a low-ball settlement, you should hire an attorney.
While it can be frustrating to wait for an insurance company to make an offer, don’t let it get you down. Whether you’re dealing with extensive medical treatment, a mountain of bills, or both, you have the right to reject a low-ball settlement offer. Instead of acting rashly, you should calmly take the time to carefully consider your options and write a letter responding to the insurance adjuster.
An insurance company offers a low-ball settlement because they don’t have to settle your case. If you have a lawyer on your side, you have every right to reject the low-ball offer. Remember that a low-ball settlement offer is not the last one you’ll receive. It can take months or even years to reach the MMI, especially if you’ve suffered multiple injuries. In addition, it is impossible to calculate future damages until the MMI is established.
Statute of limitations
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, you may be wondering whether or not you can still file a lawsuit. If so, you should contact a car accident lawyer right away. While there are few exceptions to the Statute of Limitations for personal injury cases, the sooner you file, the better.
Generally, you have 10 years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. If the person involved in the accident is a minor, this time period may be even shorter. Minors may not be 18 by the time they file their lawsuit, and they may need an adult guardian to file the claim. Also, if a person was not mentally capable at the time of the accident, the statute of limitations can be much shorter.
The statute of limitations for car accident lawyers varies by state, and if you are unable to file your lawsuit within this time, you will lose your right to file a lawsuit. In California, for example, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of the accident and one year from the date you realized you were injured. If you fail to file your claim within these two-year periods, you will lose your right to sue the negligent party. There are, however, some exceptions to this rule, such as when a government entity was involved in the accident, or if the person is a minor.
If the person was killed as a result of the accident, the family of the deceased must file a lawsuit within two years of the date of death. However, this time frame can be extended by court decisions or special laws.
Cost of hiring a car accident lawyer
Hiring a car accident lawyer is not as expensive as you might think. Most of these lawyers do not charge any upfront fees. Instead, they work on a contingency basis – a percentage of the settlement or jury award they win. This makes it risk-free for you to work with them. You can check out reviews of these lawyers to determine if they are reputable.
The cost of hiring a car accident lawyer varies depending on what services are included. For example, some lawyers work on a contingency basis, so there is no upfront cost. Others have a fixed fee that you pay up front. This fee can include a retainer, which means you prepay for a set number of hours and make a series of payments based on how the case turns out. Click for more info – waldmaninc.com.
When it comes to paying for a car accident lawyer, the most important thing is to understand what they charge. Many lawyers charge an hourly rate, but it is crucial to get a firm estimate of how much time they will spend on your case. Moreover, an hourly rate may be the best option for you if you only need a small amount of legal help.
In addition to hiring a car accident lawyer, you should contact the insurance company that covers your accident. This is a contractual requirement for coverage. The insurance company may try to obtain a recorded statement from you, so it is important to make sure you do not say anything that contradicts your story.