Being injured in a vehicle collision is scary and overwhelming. Between injuries, property damage, lost income, insurance claims, and medical bills, it’s easy to feel helpless. An experienced San Bernardino car accident attorney can provide invaluable help navigating the legal, medical, and claims process to ease your stress.
They Review Police Reports
Police reports contain crucial accident details like speeds, sobriety, points of impact, citations issued, and officer determinations of fault. This evidence is foundational for proving negligence.Your San Bernardino car accident attorney obtains and scrutinizes the traffic collision report, accident scene photos, and witness statements. They use this official record to help establish liability and maximize compensation.
They Communicate with Insurance Companies
The other driver’s insurer will likely contact you requesting a recorded statement about the accident. Politely decline to provide any statements until your attorney is retained. Anything you say can be used against you later.Let your lawyer handle all communication with insurers. They are fluent in insurance claim processes and law, leveling the playing field against crafty adjusters seeking information to reduce payouts.
They Launch an Investigation
Beyond the police report, additional investigation is often needed to build a winning injury claim. Your attorney coordinates gathering photos of property damage, video footage if available, telemetry data from vehicle computers, and eyewitness accounts.If factors like poor road design, construction hazards, or vehicle defects potentially caused the crash, your lawyer engages accident reconstruction experts to prove liability.
They Review Medical Records
Documenting the full extent of your injuries and their impact on your life is critical for maximizing damages. Your attorney obtains all medical reports, imaging results, specialty evaluations, physical therapy notes, and other records.These are analyzed to demonstrate clearly how the accident caused both physical and emotional harm necessitating treatment. Ongoing access to updated records also helps track recovery progress.
They Consult Medical Experts
In severe or complex injury cases, your attorney may engage medical experts to interpret clinical findings and prognosis. For example, a biomechanical engineer may evaluate orthopedic injuries and predict impairment outlook.Reputable expert opinions validate injury claims against insurance company skepticism. Your lawyer chooses the right specialists to strengthen your case.
They Calculate Damages
Figuring out what you rightfully deserve in injury compensation is tricky. Your attorney accounts for medical bills, lost income, property damage, pain and suffering, future care costs, out-of-pocket expenses, loss of enjoyment, and other monetary and non-monetary losses.They follow legal guidelines, using documented evidence and expert input, to accurately quantify both present and future damages for demand letters.
They Negotiate Settlements
Once your damages are calculated and liability evidence gathered, your lawyer presents insurers with a compelling demand package. They then tenaciously negotiate seeking fair compensation through skillful engagement with adjusters and claims managers.Attorneys aim to settle cases efficiently without the risks and delays of litigation. However, they won’t hesitate to take insurers to court if good-faith settlement talks fail.
They File Claims Strategically
Certain cases involve multiple defendants, insurance policies, or avenues for recovery. Your attorney carefully maps out how to pursue compensation from each party, coordinating claim timelines and procedural filings.This multi-pronged approach ensures you receive maximum damages from all sources responsible, including under-insured and personal injury protection coverages.
They Adhere to Deadlines
Pursuing injury compensation involves strict deadlines for demand letters, settlement discussions, filing litigation, and collecting evidence. Miss key cutoffs and your entire claim is in jeopardy.Your lawyer rigorously tracks all deadlines and works diligently to submit everything needed right on time. They won’t let your claim rights lapse due to technicalities.
They Handle Court Litigation
If reasonable settlement offers aren’t reached through negotiation, your attorney prepares to take the case to court. They utilize their extensive litigation experience to build the strongest case possible.This involves filing complaints, responding to discovery motions, deposing witnesses, obtaining expert testimony, exhibiting evidence, and performing jury selection. Their courtroom skills can produce favorable verdicts.
They Understand Tax Implications
Settlements and court awards have tax consequences. Your attorney ensures you retain the maximum possible value by considering IRS regulations and utilizing applicable deductions, write-offs, structured settlements, and special needs trusts.They work to minimize your tax liability and protect access to public assistance programs if relevant. Their financial acumen puts more money in your pocket.
They Distribute Funds Strategically
Once compensation is secured, your lawyer arranges payments to any applicable medical or legal liens and creditors. They disburse remaining proceeds to you in the most financially advantageous manner.Lump sum payouts may have drawbacks, so attorneys advise spreading funds over time through tools like annuities to protect eligibility for needs-based government benefits.
They Offer Objective Legal Counsel
Emotional stress after an accident makes decisions difficult. Your attorney serves as an objective, compassionate advisor to weigh options and recommend prudent legal strategies based on their experience and expertise.With their legal counsel and support, you can confidently take actions in your best interest. Their priority is maximizing your recovery and peace of mind.In summary, San Bernardino auto accident attorneys provide invaluable advocacy and skill in handling the many complex legal, medical, and insurance facets of injury cases. By enlisting experienced counsel, you gain a trusted advisor focused on your best interests, along with peace of mind during recovery. Let a lawyer tackle the details so you can concentrate on healing.