Anytime a driver is involved in a vehicle collision, he or she should contact a car accident lawyer in Martinsburg, WV before speaking to any insurance company. While it is generally necessary to report the incident to the insurance company, it is often better to avoid any other conversations until a lawyer can be of assistance.
One of the main reasons people should speak to an attorney is to help in making sure they are properly represented when dealing with the insurance company. Most insurance companies will begin work immediately at trying to eliminate the amount of money they will need to pay because of the accident. This can happen regardless of which driver is at fault. Insurance companies are in business to make money, and decreasing settlement costs can help them do this.
A car accident lawyer in Martinsburg, WV understands these matters. He or she will know what laws and other legal requirements the insurance company may try to use to avoid paying on a claim. A lawyer will generally stop all communication between his or her client and the insurance companies handling the accident. This can help eliminate any misunderstandings between the client and insurance representatives.
A lawyer will generally begin working immediately by collecting police reports of the accident and obtaining information from first responders to the scene. The medical records from any facility where the drivers or passengers involved in the incident were treated will also be obtained. It is important to begin collecting this type of data as quickly as possible.
In most situations, the attorney will continue to collect the data relating to the accident and the medical treatments his or her client has received until the doctor releases the injured person. After this occurs, the attorney will then be able to compile all the charges and other information to support the claim and then submit this to the insurance company for a settlement. While there will still be some negotiating to be made on the settlement amount, this is generally a good way for a person to obtain a fair settlement.
When a vehicle accident happens, it is important for those driving the vehicles to speak to a lawyer about their options as soon as possible. For more information, please contact Bottner & Skillman Attorneys at Law.
