What to Expect if You've Been Involved in a Car Accident
If you've never been in a serious car accident before, chances are you do not know what to expect now. There are things you can do now to preserve your right to financial recovery — and things you need to avoid because it can damage your claim.
One of the most important steps you can take today is to talk with an experienced car accident attorney who can explain your rights.
At the Fort Wayne, Indiana, law office of Geisleman & Brown, LLP, attorneys Dennis Geisleman and Dennis Brown have been helping car accident victims obtain financial compensation through negotiation or in court for decades. They know how to overcome the tactics insurance companies use to avoid paying legitimate claims.
To schedule a free consultation with a northeastern Indiana car accident lawyer, please call 260.420.2001. You can also contact us online.
Preserve Your Right to Compensation
1. Be careful what you say to any insurance claims adjustor before you've talked with a lawyer and know your rights. It's quite possible to say things, with honest and good intentions, that come back to damage your case at a later date. Until your accident has been reviewed or investigated by a professional, there may be facts of which you are not aware.
- Perhaps the other driver was on a cell phone or texting while driving and this distracted driving was a significant factor?
- Maybe the other driver had been drinking before the collision and his or her reflexes were impaired? If it was a truck driver, was he fatigued from working more hours than legally allowed?
An experienced car accident lawyer will know whether and how to investigate the cause of your car accident. At your initial consultation, we will listen to your story, give you more information about bringing a claim, and advise you if we think you have a case.
2. Preserve evidence, when possible. In serious accidents with catastrophic injuries, it's unlikely that the driver or passengers will be able to take any immediate action to help with their case. But if your injuries were not as severe, you may be able to help your case by taking photos at the accident scene. Even cell phone photos can help with accident reconstruction.
Family and friends who wish to help can go to the scene and take photos before the street is cleaned. They can also get the names and numbers of any witnesses.
3. Document, document, document. In order to obtain a fair recovery that takes into account all of your medical bills, property damage, and out-of-pocket expenses, it is essential that you keep track of these expenses. Save your medical bills, prescription receipts, parking ramp tickets, etc. We will organize and submit all of these in our claim filing.
A full recovery will also take into account the many ways in which your life has been made more difficult by your injuries. If you can no longer do the yard work because of a back injury, you will have to pay someone else to do that for you. If chronic pain keeps you up all night, that suffering is valid and you can seek compensation. Our lawyers may visit you at home or on the job to see first-hand how your injuries have affected your daily life. By documenting these challenges, we are able to build a stronger case for your financial recovery.
Protecting Your Financial Interests in Negotiations and in Court
It's important that you choose to work with an experienced trial lawyer if you've been involved in a car accident with catastrophic injuries and very high medical bills.
Many lawyers have never taken a case to court. They settle every personal injury claim. While settlement should always be the first option because it is faster and more cost-effective, the ultimate goal of any serious injury claim is to ensure that you receive the compensation you need for current and future expenses, lost wages and lost earning potential. If that means taking your case to a jury, we will not hesitate to do so.
Comprehensive Case Management
When you hire Geisleman & Brown, LLP, we will manage every component of your car accident claim. We identify all possible insurance coverages and coordinate medical payments with your health insurance company. We may negotiate a payment plan with some care providers. After you receive your settlement, we advise and assist with repayment obligations to your health insurer.
We work to make the claim process hassle-free so you can focus on the job of getting better.
Contingency Basis — No Attorney's Fee Unless We Win Financial Recovery
We offer a free initial consultation and represent all of our injured clients on a contingency basis, which means that we charge no attorney's fee unless we win a recovery on your behalf. For answers to your questions or for a review of your case, contact an Indiana car accident attorney online or call our office at 260.420.2001.
