Knowing Your Options In An Accident: 5 Facts Most People Don’t Know

A car accident is a burden for everyone. However, know that you have options when it comes to getting justice. No case is entirely predictable, but you do have some control over the results of your accident lawsuit. There are 5 facts that you should know if you ever get into an accident.

1. Increase Your Odds By Getting Everything in Writing

The court does not pay much attention to people who do not have written proof. The judge wants to see the police reports, insurance claims or medical bills up close. It is important to get every detail down in writing. It is easy to make a call and request for these documents. The more evidence you have, the more likely your case wins.

2. The Attorney Fees Could Take a Lot Out of Your Judgment

Before you get excited about getting a large settlement, know that you have to pay off the attorney. The contingency fee usually varies from 25 to 45 percent. And you could end up with less than half of the money needed to pay medical bills.

3. There Are Different Ways to Reach a Settlement

There is more than one way to reach a settlement for an accident. If you cannot resolve the matter in court, you can arrange a dispute resolution between the opposing sides. The dispute resolution is usually faster and less expensive. During this resolution, a third party is hired to hear both sides of the case and talk over important issues. Many people have heard of a settlement, but they do not know the exact details. They have options if they want to make a settlement.

4. All Lawsuits Have Deadlines

A lot of people think that they can sit around until they are ready to file an accident lawsuit. However, they should know that statutes of limitations apply to every case. Every state has different time frames, but the average one is two years. In states like North Dakota, the deadline is six years. In Kentucky and Louisiana, the accident victims have one year to take action.

5. You Are Not Always Likely to Prove Emotional Distress

You cannot always collect money for emotional distress or pain and suffering. Your personal injury attorney may want to do this, but proving this claim is not as easy as you think. Unless you saw a loved one die or suffered paralysis, it is hard to prove this claim. You can try, but your attorney is not likely to consider this option.

There is a whole field of lawyers who specialize in helping auto accident victims. To receive compensation for a crash, consider all of your choices. Decide if you want to obtain a judgment or settlement. Choose the right attorney to work by your side. Know the various steps that you must take to win your case. Having the right knowledge behind you will help you through this process and in turn help you get the kind of settlement you deserve if you choose that route.

Author:
Brionna Kennedy is native to the Pacific Northwest, growing up in Washington, then moving down to Oregon for college. She enjoys writing on fashion and business, but any subject will do, she loves to learn about new topics. When she isn’t writing, she lives for the outdoors. Oregon has been the perfect setting to indulge her love of kayaking, rock climbing, and hiking. For this article she took a lot of information from the Attorney Firm of Joseph M. Todd, to inform you on the different options when in a car accident.