There are many words that could be used to describe what car crash victims are feeling after the accident. The word “uncertainty” is one of them.
For example, car crash victims are uncertain about whether they can file a claim for compensation. They may be uncertain about the severity of their injuries. They may think about contacting a lawyer, but they may be uncertain about how a lawyer can help them. They may be uncertain about the cost of seeking legal help.
These are some of the reasons crash victims often wait to seek legal help. We discuss these reasons in greater detail below and why crash victims should strongly consider contacting a lawyer as soon as possible.
Schmidt Kramer’s experienced Harrisburg auto accident attorneys are ready to help you seek full compensation for your damages. Our clients do not pay upfront fees and we do not charge fees while working on your claim.
Uncertainty About the Claim
If you were injured in a car crash and you needed to go to the hospital to get treatment, it is likely you have a valid claim. This is particularly true in Pennsylvania, which is a no-fault state. That means you can seek compensation from your own insurance policy for medical bills and some other expenses, regardless of fault for the crash.
You may be uncertain if the other driver can be held liable for the crash. However, it is hard to know for sure without talking about the situation with an experienced attorney. You should not rely on your assumptions about the situation or what the at-fault driver or his or her insurance company say.
If you need significant compensation, your no-fault coverage may not be enough. You may need to file a claim against the liability insurance of the at-fault driver.
Uncertainty About Your Injury’s Seriousness
Your injury might be much worse than you realize. Even if you have an injury that you think is serious, you may not realize just how costly the injury can be to treat. Damages are not just medical bills. You may be unable to work while you are recovering. You may never be able to work in the same type of job again.
Many times, an injury has a psychological component. Some victims experienced post-traumatic stress disorder. If the injury creates physical limitations, this can cause emotional distress.
No matter what you may think or what insurance companies may tell you, they are not concerned with providing all the compensation you need. If your injury turns out to be more serious than you realized, and you agree to a settlement with the insurance company, you may be left footing the bill for additional medical costs and other damages.
Our attorneys are prepared to evaluate your claim and determine all the compensation you may be eligible to receive. We are prepared to aggressively pursue compensation, and we have the resources and experience to take your case to court if the insurance company denies your claim.
Not Knowing How an Attorney Can Help You
Many injury victims do not know about all the things an attorney can do for them throughout the legal process. Essentially, an attorney can deal with the legal process on your behalf. That means your lawyer can negotiate with the insurance company, investigate the crash, gather evidence, file legal documents and take your case to court if necessary.
This frees you up to focus on medical treatment and healing. While some victims may not make a full recovery, the goal is to make the best recovery possible. You do not need the burdens of filing an insurance claim.
Our attorneys can discuss how we can help you in a free initial consultation.
Not Knowing How Much an Attorney Costs
Crash victims may make false assumptions about the cost of hiring an attorney. They may think hiring a lawyer for a car crash claim is like hiring a lawyer for other types of situations.
However, injury attorneys, like those at Schmidt Kramer, work on contingency. What this means is that you do not pay up front. We do not get paid unless you receive compensation.
Our attorneys can explain our fees in your free consultation, so you know what to expect.
The Problem with Waiting to Contact a Lawyer
If you wait to contact a lawyer, you could hurt your chances of recovering full compensation. There are many reasons for this. For example, over time your memory of the crash can fade. You could forget important details, which makes it harder to build a strong case.
You may talk to the insurance company while you are waiting. You might be tempted to accept a lowball settlement offer. You could say something to the insurance company that could be used against you. You may have admitted fault or downplayed your injuries.
An attorney can give you tips on protecting your claim. If you wait to call a lawyer, you will not have the benefit of these tips. You may do things that hurt your case, such as skipping medical appointments or waiting to seek treatment.
Waiting could also make it harder on your attorney. There is a statute of limitations of two years for filing personal injury claims. That means if a lawsuit is not filed within two years of the accident, you are barred from doing so.
Your case may not make it to court, but it is important to be prepared for that. The possibility of a lawsuit often causes insurance companies to offer more compensation. The insurance company is only going to be concerned about a lawsuit if you have hired an attorney.
Call Schmidt Kramer After a Car Crash
For more than three decades, our attorneys have been securing compensation for vehicle crash victims at no upfront cost. We have helped victims of a wide variety of vehicle accidents and are prepared to help victims through every step of the process.
The initial consultation is free. Contact us today: (717) 727-2669.