How Soon after a Rideshare Accident Should I Contact a Lawyer?

After a crash, it’s only natural to feel flustered. Even a minor fender bender can flip your life upside down, leaving you to tackle a never-ending carousel of unanticipated tasks. As such, contacting an attorney probably isn’t too high on your priority list. However, if you’re planning to file a personal injury claim, it may be in your best interests to reach out to a legal professional as soon as possible.
Let’s look at a few reasons why it’s worth enlisting legal assistance after a wreck:
It’s Easy to Make Mistakes That Might Affect Your Settlement
When you hire an attorney, you’re essentially handing over the reins to a seasoned expert who is intimately familiar with the ins and outs of the claims process. He or she can handle the logistics of your case, leaving you with the time you need to focus on taking care of your health. Additionally, having a lawyer in your corner could also help minimize the risks of you doing or saying something that might compromise your claim.
Your attorney can advise you of several steps you should take to protect your case. For instance, he or she may suggest that you deactivate your social media accounts to prevent the insurer from digging through your posts and potentially finding evidence that could be used to challenge your credibility. Alternatively, your lawyer can oversee any dialogue with opposing parties so that you won’t have to worry about saying something inaccurate or untrue that might lead the insurer to question your credibility.
Some of the Evidence in Your Case May Be Time-Sensitive
Eyewitnesses can quickly forget what they saw; surveillance camera footage is routinely erased; and road markings will often disappear within a few days. These kinds of evidence could play a crucial role in proving liability, so it’s important to gather such proof as soon as possible while it is still available.
When you hire a personal injury attorney, he or she will usually investigate the accident, taking steps to obtain the evidence you might need to prevail during proceedings. Additionally, if certain parties are withholding evidence, your lawyer can apply the necessary legal pressure to force these individuals or entities to hand over such information.
You Will Need to Know What Your Case Is Worth
Having an exact number in mind before you initiate proceedings will ensure that you aren’t tempted into accepting a low-ball settlement offer from the insurer. However, with many different types of damages to consider, it’s all too easy to overlook certain losses potentially leaving you with a settlement that falls short of covering the full range of your accident-related expenses.
A skilled personal injury lawyer can assess the available evidence and consult with expert witnesses (if necessary) to help approximate fair compensation for the losses you’ve incurred. He or she can also oversee negotiations with the insurer and help determine if their offer is fair or not.
Discuss Your Case with a California Rideshare Accident Attorney Today
Were you injured in an accident involving a rideshare driver? It may be in your best interests to discuss your case with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible
At HPIL, we can assist with almost every aspect of your claim, leaving no stone unturned to help you build a compelling case. With our knowledge and resources on your side, you will have everything you need in your fight for a fair settlement. Contact us today at 1-800-GO-HARRIS or send us a message using our contact page HERE to lock in a free case review with a California rideshare accident attorney.
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