The most direct answer to the above question is; immediately after a car accident. There are many concerns that a lawyer can address. Many car accident victims do not contact a lawyer because they assume the accident is minor. As time passes, the victim realizes the accident is more severe, and they need legal assistance. Another reason individuals do not contact a lawyer is that they assume the insurance company will handle the entire process. While this is true, it is also true that you will get a higher settlement when you retain an attorney. Contact Kwartler Manus, LLC when you are injured in a car accident.
Shared vs. full fault
The most significant area of contention in car accidents is determining fault. Pennsylvania has two types of fault: shared and full. Deciding fault is vital since the at-fault party is liable for damages. The negligent actions of this person or entity are what caused the accident. Therefore they need to compensate you.
When it is deemed that fault is shared, the percentage of fault is also addressed. The insurance companies will battle it out to determine which party acted more negligently than the other. The claims adjuster will handle this step. The adjuster will investigate the claim and award fault to each party. If a settlement is reached, it will be reduced by the percentage of fault you have.
When one party is entirely at fault, compensation is different. If one party is responsible, they are liable for the other party’s damages. Your attorney will work with the insurance claims adjuster to address liability issues. You will need to call a Philadelphia car accident attorney in both cases.
Reasons to contact a lawyer
A simple car accident is enough reason to contact a lawyer. When the accident is more complex, it is a clear sign an attorney is necessary. One reason is if there are other people involved. Other individuals involved could be pedestrians, government agencies, and more. When there are several parties involved, the legal scope becomes complex.
Another complex reason you need a lawyer is the accident happens in a work or construction zone. Liability is often contested in work zone car accidents. While police officers are trusted to investigate the accident scene and determine the facts of the collisions, investigations can be incomplete. The police officer may only hear one side of the story or cannot collect sufficient evidence. The final police report will then show inaccuracies. You can argue inaccuracies with the help of an attorney.
If your case has complex legal or medical issues, you need to call an attorney immediately. Complex medical issues are ones where injuries are severe, or there are pre-existing conditions that can be problematic. Legal issues would be questioning liability and fault or inadequate insurance.
How is a serious injury defined?
It is necessary to call an attorney if you sustain a severe injury. A severe injury is any injury that requires hospitalization. The implication of permanent damage or disability is also a sign you need a Philadelphia car accident lawyer. A caveat to remember is that only serious injuries can be the reason for a lawsuit. Minor injuries are handled through the insurance company.
Statute of limitations
One final key reason you need to call an attorney as soon as possible is the Pennsylvania statute of limitations on personal injury cases. The rule is two years from the date of the accident. Since the limit is short, an attorney will need to work quickly to assess your claim.
Contact Kwartler Manus, LLC
While the focus of a personal injury attorney is on injuries, you can also hire an attorney for property damage claims. There is a range of financial compensation you are entitled to after an accident when you have an attorney on your side. Do not wait any longer to call a lawyer. The other party has likely already retained counsel. Protect your rights by calling Kwartler Manus, LLC at (267) 457-5570 or using our contact form.