Auto Accident Attorneys

Why Do You Need an Auto Accident Attorney After an Auto Wreck?

Many people underestimate the amount of stress involved in managing an auto accident claim. They wrongly assume that the process will go smoothly, with the insurance company handing over a fair settlement. Unfortunately, this is very rarely the case.

In reality, the auto claim process is a tedious, time-consuming one – and handling it alone could result in a settlement that is far less than you deserve. From intimidating depositions to conversations with aggressive insurance agents, there are countless reasons to entrust your case to an experienced auto accident attorney. 

Our personal injury law firm has listed our top five reasons below:

REASON #1 THE INSURANCE COMPANY MAY DENY YOUR CLAIM

It’s time to face the facts: The insurance company can deny your claim. Or they may just offer you a very minor settlement. Mike Hostilo’s team of auto accident attorneys will not settle for this – or anything less than what you deserve. 

Our personal injury law firm has a long history of addressing insurance companies directly. We speak to them on our client’s behalf, never backing down from negotiations until our client is offered what they are truly owed. With our personal injury team on your side, you don't have to worry about speaking with insurance agents at all! 

REASON #2 YOU NEED BIG COMPENSATION TO HANDLE BIG CAR ACCIDENT EXPENSES

If your car is totaled in an auto accident, it is no surprise that you are facing a major expense. However, many people forget the other expenses that add up very quickly. You may face medical expenses, hospital costs and lost wages – all heaped on top of your regular monthly bills. The overall cost of your auto wreck might threaten to break the bank, which is why you need a qualified car accident attorney to help.

Our team offers years of experience handling legal claims and settlements for auto wreck victims. Don’t spin the wheel on your chances of winning big. Instead, choose skilled legal representation that increases your odds of winning the settlement you deserve.

REASON #3 AUTO WRECKS CAN BE STRESSFUL AND OVERWHELMING

This is a fact that car accident victims know all too well. Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident is often one of the most stressful times in your life – especially if there’s a serious injury involved. That’s why you need a qualified car crash attorney to get you a fair settlement for your accident.

Remember, you need time to process the impact of your car wreck, both mentally and physically. The Mike Hostilo Law Firm offers an elite team of car accident attorneys to manage your case from beginning to end, allowing you to concentrate on recovering.

REASON #4 YOU NEED AN EXPERT IN FEDERAL AND STATE LAW

While you may have a general knowledge of some laws, you likely do not understand all the intricacies involved in the legal system. Plus, many laws vary from state to state, and from one circumstance to the next. A car accident attorney with specific experience handling cases like yours can help ensure you are not taken advantage of.

Do not make the mistake of overestimating your legal knowledge. If you have been injured in an auto accident, you need a State Bar certified injury attorney on your side. 

REASON #5  YOU ONLY PAY WHEN WE WIN YOUR CLAIM 

It’s really that simple! If you don't win your case, then you don't pay. Our goal is to make the process as simple as possible, so we are happy to eliminate the stress of figuring out how to pay for a skilled auto accident attorney. 

After we fight hard and successfully earn your settlement claim, then you’ll pay us from your settlement. If we fail to win – which is rare – you don't owe us anything. 

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After A Car Crash, What Determines The Value Of Your Auto Insurance Claim?

 Indeed, when your auto accident lawyer is determining the value of your case after an auto wreck, there are a number of key factors involved, including:

• Lost income
• Medical bills
• Loss of normal life
• Pain and suffering
• Disability and disfigurement

Every personal injury claim is unique. And as your car accident lawyer, we’ll do everything in our power to investigate all the facts. Our injury attorneys fight endlessly to get you the insurance settlement you deserve.

Auto Accident Attorney Advice: Dos and Don'ts After An Auto Wreck 

If you are in a car accident and haven’t called 844-GET-MIKE yet, here are a few important things to remember:

 DON’T: ADMIT FAULT IN A CAR CRASH

• It is best to let the evidence speak for itself. Even if you believe you are at fault, you should never admit it – openly to the police or to the other party. Let the investigators look at the evidence from the accident to determine who is at fault.

• Getting an auto accident attorney can be difficult after you’ve admitted fault to the responding officer or other party involved in the car crash.

DON’T: SETTLE YOUR CLAIM IMMEDIATELY

• Never sign anything until you’ve spoken with your auto accident attorney.

• Many times the other driver’s insurance company will try to get you to sign a release for legal claims that you may have.

• In some cases, victims end up finding out that their car accident claim could've been worth 80% more than what they were offered – yet they have already settled for the bare minimum.

DON’T: LEAVE THE SCENE OF THE CAR WRECK

• There are some exceptions to this rule, of course. If the vehicle or surrounding area is in flames or an explosion is possible, please distance yourself for safety. But don't leave the scene completely.

• It is important to remain at the scene of the car wreck until police arrive. They will then give you proper notice when you are permitted to leave. 

DON’T: MOVE THE VEHICLE

• Leave the vehicle where it is after an auto wreck. Only move it if required by law or if a police officer gives you directions to do so for safety reasons.

DO: CALL 911 ASAP

• Without a doubt, the first thing you need to do after a car crash is call 911.

• Whether or not emergency medical attention is needed, you need to call the police immediately. Even if you and the other party seem to be physically unharmed, you need to make the police aware. 

• Furthermore, by alerting 911, it will alert all other authorities needed at the car wreck scene with just one call.

DO: BE CAUTIOUS OF WHO YOU SPEAK TO

• One of insurance adjusters’ most common tricks is to get you to make a statement after your car crash. Don’t fall for it! Never give a statement to the other party without your car accident lawyer present.

• The insurance adjuster will likely attempt to use your words against you. So, while you can give them a statement, you should always have your car accident lawyer present to ensure that you don't falsely incriminate yourself.

• For clarity, please cooperate with medical personnel and law enforcement at the accident scene. However, you still should never admit any fault to any party without your trusted auto accident lawyer by your side.

DO: IF YOU’RE INJURED OR IN PAIN, SEE A DOCTOR RIGHT AWAY

• After your accident, you should always go to see the doctor. Even if the injuries were minor, this gives you credible evidence that you can use in court if you start to develop problems. In fact, it’s a good idea to get checked out even if you do not think you are injured at all.

• If you don't go to a doctor to establish the injuries and you later experience health problems, the other party's lawyers could try to pass the blame. This could significantly lower the amount of compensation you collect.

DO: TAKE PICTURES AND KEEP A PAPER TRAIL

• After an auto accident, it’s smart to collect some records and photos that will help your injury claim. In many instances, having the right documentation can win or lose a case.

• If a police officer responds to the scene of the auto accident, they’ll file a report that includes essential information, like statements from drivers, traffic laws violated, and the potential causes of the accident. To get a copy of the report, you need to contact the law enforcement agency that filed it.

• Medical records are also important to your case and could include pharmacy prescriptions, physical therapy, emergency room treatment, and hospital admission.

• If your vehicle needs to be repaired after an auto wreck, keep a careful written record of every service performed and what you paid as a result of the car accident.

• Keep records of missed work days, including time lost the day of the car accident, accident-related medical appointments, and other events related to the accident that may result in time lost in wages. 

DO: GET WITNESS TESTIMONIES

• After your car crash, if you know it is not your fault, the bystanders who witness the wreck can be very important to your legal claim. 

• Make sure to get their contact information, at minimum their name and phone number. 

• Ask them what they saw and write down details of their account of the auto wreck. Also, it's vital they give their testimony to the police at the scene as well. This will allow their statement to be documented within your accident report.

DO: REMOVE ANY PERSONAL ITEMS FROM VEHICLE

• If it’s safe to return to your vehicle, remove any personal items you may want to keep. The vehicle will be towed if damaged or totaled and you may not know where it will be located – or if you’ll have access to it. 

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Car Accident Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a car accident lawyer after a minor auto accident? 

It is best to consult a car accident lawyer after a wreck, no matter how minor. If you suffered any accident injuries, it is important to not only visit your doctor but get trusted legal advice as soon as possible. Our team will handle your auto claim from start to finish, helping to maximize the compensation you receive.

How much does a good car accident lawyer cost?

Here at The Mike Hostilo Law Firm, our car accident lawyers work on a contingency basis rather than hourly fees. If you have not heard the term before, a “contingency fee” means that you only have to pay if and when you get compensation. So you don’t pay a penny unless we win your auto claim! Since there is nothing to lose and everything to gain, contact us today to schedule your free consultation!

How long will it take to settle my auto claim after an auto accident?

It depends. Most auto accident victims will receive compensation a few weeks after their auto claim is settled. The length of the settlement process, however, can vary from one case to the next. Typically, the settlement process takes at least a few months, depending on the severity of your accident injuries and the overall complexity of your case.

After my auto accident, who pays my medical bills? 

Unless you win your auto claim and receive compensation, you are responsible for paying for your medical expenses. This seems unfair – but your experienced auto accident attorney can help. There are a few options to look into, even if you do not have medical insurance. Get in touch to learn more.

After my car accident, how do I pay for car repairs?

If you have collision coverage, your auto insurance company will pay for your vehicle repair or replacement – and a rental car in the meantime! The insurer will then seek reimbursement from the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Keep in mind that you will need to pay your deductible until reimbursement is received.

How does the insurance company determine who is at-fault after an auto accident? 

The insurance company will make its own determination about who caused the accident, using police reports, vehicle damage assessments, witness statements and more. Because the insurance company’s version of events is not always accurate, it is crucial to have a car accident lawyer on your side. Your lawyer will conduct their own investigation to strengthen your auto claim.

How much is my car accident claim worth? 

The value of your case depends on the extent of your accident injuries and vehicle damage. After your consultation, your car accident lawyer will be able to calculate both economic and non-economic damages to give you a better idea of what your auto claim is worth.

What happens if I leave the scene of a car accident? 

Fleeing the accident scene is a misdemeanor, carrying penalties of up to one year in jail as well as a fine.

How long do I have to file a police report after a car accident?

Call the police right away after your accident. When the officer arrives, they will file a police report on site. Because the claims reporting process varies from state to state, it is best to hire trusted legal representation to guide your next steps.

Do I need to visit a doctor after an auto accident?

Yes, it is crucial to see a doctor after your accident – even if you do not think you are injured. If a minor ache or pain turns out to be a more serious issue and you decide to pursue compensation, it is important that you have a doctor’s medical report. Delaying your doctor’s visit until you show symptoms gives the at-fault driver’s insurance company the opportunity to say that your injury was not caused by the car crash.

What happens in a car accident if you are hit by an uninsured driver? 

South Carolina law requires all insured drivers to carry uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. So if you are involved in a collision with an uninsured driver, your insurance company will provide compensation for accident injuries and vehicle repairs/replacement.

Georgia law, however, does not require uninsured motorist coverage. If you are hit by an uninsured driver, it is best to get trusted legal advice to learn more about your options.

What if I was hit by a hit and run driver? 

If you are involved in a hit-and-run accident, here’s what to do:

• Call 911 immediately and file a police report. 
• Get medical attention for any accident injuries. 
• Record any details about the other vehicle and driver, like license plate, make, model, and color. 
• If there were witnesses, get their contact information. 
• Take photos of vehicle damage and the accident scene, including anything that might have contributed to the accident.

What if I was injured in a car accident with a rideshare company like Lyft or Uber? 

Rideshare companies provide insurance coverage in South Carolina. But you are required to first file an auto claim with the rideshare driver’s personal insurance company before filing one against the rideshare company itself.

Here’s what to do if you are a passenger in a rideshare accident: 

• Seek medical care.
• Record detailed notes about the incident.
• Get insurance information (driver’s personal insurance details as well as rideshare companies).
• Contact a car accident lawyer to find out which damages you are entitled to.

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