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In a recent year, Las Vegas witnessed more than 12,000 car crashes. Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, texting while driving, and speeding are just some of the major causes of serious roadway accidents in and around the city. While some of these collisions result only in property damage to the vehicle, others have caused serious and catastrophic injuries. In fact, in 2018, Nevada experienced a 10-year high in fatal car accidents. When someone is injured in a car crash, their initial focus should be on getting medical treatment. But there are some good reasons to contact your personal injury attorney as soon as possible, and here’s why:
Even while still recovering in a hospital bed, car accident victims are likely to start receiving phone calls related to the collision. Fielding these calls isn’t merely a nuisance, however. Speaking to insurers, particularly if you don’t have a lot of experience dealing with them, can actually undermine your claim should you eventually choose to pursue one. The at-fault driver’s insurance company could make a seemingly simple call to wish you well during your recovery that goes something like this:
“How are you, Mrs. Smith?” seems an appropriate-enough question, but a reply such as “I feel better today” or “I feel pretty well today” could wind up being used against you if your claim heads to court. Just imagine the defendant’s attorney saying this: “Mrs. Smith, on September 5th, you reported to the defendant’s insurer that you felt improved.”
Navigating the aftermath of a car accident can be complex. For instance, understanding how to handle medical bills after a car accident is crucial to ensure you’re not left with unexpected expenses. Moreover, being aware of the most common types of car accidents in Vegas can help you be more prepared on the roads.
In some situations, determining who’s at fault, especially in cases like rear-end collisions, can be a contentious issue. Furthermore, knowing the potential value of a car accident claim in Vegas can provide clarity when negotiating with insurance companies. It’s also essential to prioritize medical treatment after a car accident to ensure a swift recovery.
Do all insurance companies operate like this? The fact is, when hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars are on the line–sometimes for just one case–insurance companies do their utmost to reduce the claim amounts they are charged to pay out. It’s not a pretty scenario and, in many cases, the victim suffers yet another shocking blow.
By contacting your personal injury attorney from the start, you can avoid communicating with insurers or insurers’ attorneys. Instead, your personal injury lawyer can field these calls. Attorneys know from experience how to communicate effectively with these parties. Allowing your attorney to deal with the phone calls enables you to focus on your recovery.
Not all car accidents will end up in litigation. In fact, many victims of injuries will not pursue a monetary claim for their pain and suffering or any costs they incurred. In the early days after a car accident, injured parties may not yet realize they have a case or recognize the financial necessity for pursuing one. It might be weeks or months before they decide to file a claim against a careless or reckless driver. Yet, in weeks or months, witnesses might be difficult to track down. Their recollection of the incident may have diminished.
When you contact your personal injury attorney in the days following your accident, they can begin the vital process of tracking down essential information that is most relevant to your case should you decide to pursue it. They can speak with witnesses and obtain their statements. They can procure accident reports and examine them carefully to ensure there aren’t any errors. It’s much easier to have these errors corrected within days of the accident as opposed to months.
In some cases, attorneys may be able to obtain other useful evidence such as video footage. They can take photos of the damaged vehicle before it’s hauled away. This evidence can substantially support your claim in the event you decide to pursue it. Your attorney can procure all of this helpful information right away–before it can be lost.
As you begin your recovery journey, you might be concerned about your finances. Many people who are injured require long-term (sometimes indefinite) medical care. They may be unable to work for weeks or months. When injuries are catastrophic or life-changing, the injured party may no longer be able to perform their former occupation. There’s no doubt that these issues lead to considerable mental anguish for accident victims.
Your personal injury attorney will be there to answer your questions. They can explain the types of compensation you are eligible for in the state of Nevada. For instance, you can claim your current medical expenses, but did you know you can also claim expenses for future accident-related costs? You can also claim non-economic damages for your pain and suffering.
Your attorney will provide you with important legal guidance, explaining the importance of retaining all medical documents. They can advise you about your legal rights related to your job. You might have to file for disability benefits–a complex process. Your attorney can help. They have your best interests at heart, and they understand the claims process in detail. By relying on their legal knowledge from the start, you can strengthen your claim.
As time passes, your attorney can keep you informed about important legal deadlines. They can manage all documents related to your case and file all necessary paperwork. Allowing your attorney to professionally manage your claim will enhance your peace of mind, allowing you to focus on your health.
Gina Corena & Associates focuses on personal injury law such as motor vehicle accidents. You can contact the firm to schedule a free case evaluation or to obtain the post-accident legal guidance you need to make the best decisions to support a claim should you ever pursue one. You can contact our firm at (702) 680-1111 or via email.
Our personal injury attorneys in Las Vegas are experienced and dedicated to providing each client with personalized attention. There are no cookie-cutter solutions; each case is unique and every client deserves our focus, customized handling of their case, and compassion. We know that serious injuries take a physical and mental toll on our clients. It’s our goal to provide them with the best legal guidance and representation so they can achieve their legal goals either at the negotiation table or in the courtroom. We’ll fight aggressively to win the fair compensation that our clients deserve.
As founder of Gina Corena & Associates, she is dedicated to fighting for the rights of the people who suffer life-changing personal injuries in car, truck and motorcycle accidents as well as other types of personal injury. Gina feels fortunate to serve the Nevada community and hold wrongdoers accountable for their harm to her clients.
