People who have been injured in car crashes may question what the future has in store regarding their health and financial security. When dealing with the unforeseen costs of a car accident, it’s normal to be concerned.
At Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers, we know that the days and weeks following a car crash are stressful, especially when it comes to handling insurance companies. Our New London car accident lawyers can protect your rights and help you get the financial compensation you deserve.
Our New London personal injury lawyers are committed to guiding you through every step of the process, so you can focus on what really matters—your recovery. You can count on us to be your supportive advocate, ensuring you’re treated fairly during this challenging time.
The Insurance Company Is Not on Your Side
It’s natural to think the insurance company will treat you fairly. However, it’s important to realize that the insurance industry’s main goal is to protect its profits. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize what they pay out, often trying to settle your claim quickly and for less than you deserve.
They might pressure you to accept a low offer before you fully grasp the extent of your injuries or property damage. Sometimes, they even downplay your claim or question how serious your injuries are, which can be frustrating and confusing.
This is where having a New London auto accident lawyer can make a big difference. We stand up for your rights and ensure you get the compensation you need. We’ll handle all the tricky negotiations with the insurance company, so you can focus on healing and getting back to your life.
What Can a Car Accident Lawyer do to Help With My Insurance Claim?
The aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to dealing with insurance claims. A motor vehicle accident attorney plays a crucial role in helping you secure the compensation you deserve. Here’s how our firm can assist you throughout the process:
Initial Consultation and Case Evaluation
Your journey begins with an initial consultation, where your lawyer will assess the details of your case. We will gather information about the accident, including:
- Circumstances of the Accident: Understanding what happened, who was involved, and the extent of your injuries
- Evidence Collection: Discussing any evidence you may have, such as police reports, photographs, or witness statements
This evaluation helps your lawyer determine the strength of your case and the potential damages you may be able to recover.
Gathering Evidence
A key part of building a strong insurance claim is collecting evidence. Your car accident lawyer in New London will:
- Obtain Police Reports: Acquire official documentation of the accident, which is crucial for establishing liability
- Collect Medical Records: Gather all relevant medical documentation to demonstrate the extent of your injuries and related expenses
- Interview Witnesses: Speak with witnesses to obtain statements that support your version of events
- Document Damages: Take photographs of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and your injuries to provide visual evidence
Calculating Damages
Determining the full extent of your damages is essential for a successful claim. Your lawyer will evaluate both economic and non-economic damages, which may include:
- Medical Expenses: Current and future medical bills related to your injuries
- Lost Wages: Fair compensation for income lost during your recovery
- Pain and Suffering: Emotional distress and physical pain experienced due to the accident
By accurately calculating your damages, your lawyer ensures you seek the appropriate compensation.
Communicating With Insurance Companies
Dealing with insurance companies can be challenging, as they often try to minimize payouts. Your lawyer will handle all communication with the insurance adjusters, ensuring that:
- Your Rights Are Protected: We will advocate for your rights, preventing the insurance company from taking advantage of you.
- Negotiations Are Effective: Your lawyer will negotiate on your behalf, using evidence, knowledge of your case, and the law to secure a fair settlement.
Preparing and Filing Claims
Once your lawyer has gathered the necessary evidence and calculated your damages, we will prepare your claim. This includes:
- Drafting Formal Claim Documents: Ensuring that all paperwork is completed accurately and submitted on time
- Meeting Deadlines: Adhering to any statutes of limitations or deadlines imposed by the insurance company or the state
Negotiating Settlements
If the insurance company offers a settlement, your lawyer will review it carefully. We will:
- Assess the Offer: Determine if the offer is fair based on the evidence and damages
- Negotiate for a Better Settlement: If the initial offer is insufficient, negotiate to achieve a more favorable outcome
Litigation Support, if Necessary
In some cases, negotiations may not lead to a satisfactory settlement. If this happens, your lawyer will be prepared to take your case to court. We will:
- File a Lawsuit: Prepare and file all necessary legal documents to initiate litigation
- Represent You in Court: Present your case to a judge and jury, advocating for your rights and the compensation you deserve
An automobile accident lawyer is your advocate in your insurance claim. With a New London car accident attorney by your side, you can focus on your recovery while we build your case.
What Types of Accidents Can You Help With?
Our experienced car accident attorneys in New London can assist you with a variety of accident types, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve. Here are just a few of the common types of accidents we can help with:
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Truck Accidents
- Pedestrian Accidents
- Fatal Auto Accidents
- Commercial Vehicle Accidents
What Damages Can I Recover?
In a personal injury claim, you may be entitled to various types of damages depending on the circumstances of your accident. Understanding these damages can help you make informed decisions as you pursue your accident claim. Here’s a deeper look at some common damages you can recover:
1. Medical Expenses
Medical costs encompass all costs related to your treatment and recovery from your injuries. This includes:
- Hospital Bills: Charges for emergency room visits, inpatient stays, and any necessary surgeries
- Doctor Visits: Fees for consultations with specialists, follow-up appointments, and routine check-ups
- Rehabilitation: Costs associated with physical therapy, occupational therapy, or other rehabilitation services needed to aid your recovery
- Medications: Expenses for prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs required for pain management or recovery
- Medical Equipment: Costs for any medical devices, such as crutches, wheelchairs, or braces that may be necessary during your recovery
These expenses can add up quickly, and having an experienced lawyer help document and claim these costs can ensure you are fully compensated.
2. Lost Wages
If your injuries have prevented you from working, you may be entitled to recover lost wages. This compensation covers:
- Salaries or Hourly Wages: The income you would have earned had you not been injured
- Bonuses: Any bonuses or commissions that you missed out on during your recovery period
- Future Earnings: If your injuries result in long-term or permanent disabilities that affect your ability to work, you may also claim future lost earnings
Calculating lost wages can be complex, especially if your income varies or if you are self-employed. Your personal injury lawyer can help accurately assess your financial losses and ensure you seek adequate compensation.
3. Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering damages are intended to compensate you for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by your injuries. This category includes:
- Physical Pain: The discomfort and suffering you experience due to your injuries, including any chronic pain that may arise
- Emotional Distress: Psychological impacts, such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD, that may develop as a result of the accident
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Compensation for the inability to engage in activities you once enjoyed due to your injuries
Quantifying pain and suffering can be challenging, but experienced lawyers use various methods to calculate these damages, often considering the severity and duration of your suffering.
4. Future Medical Costs
If your injuries require ongoing medical treatment or future surgeries, you can seek compensation for these anticipated costs. Future medical costs may include:
- Long–term Care: Expenses associated with continued care, such as hiring a nurse or caregiver if you need assistance with daily activities
- Additional Treatments: Costs for any future surgeries, therapies, or medical interventions that may be necessary as a result of your injuries
- Rehabilitation Services: Ongoing physical or occupational therapy that may be required to aid in your recovery
Our experienced personal injury attorneys can help project these future costs based on medical expert opinions, ensuring you are compensated for all foreseeable expenses.
How Much does a New London Car Accident Lawyer Cost?
Our New London car accident lawyers operate on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay any upfront costs. Instead, your lawyer’s fees are taken from the settlement or award you receive if your case is successful.
This arrangement offers several benefits. First, it allows you to pursue your claim without the financial burden of hourly fees, making legal representation accessible. Additionally, it aligns your lawyer’s interests with yours; the lawyers are motivated to secure the highest possible compensation for you.
Working on a contingency basis also means that if your case is unsuccessful, you won’t owe any legal fees, providing peace of mind as you focus on your recovery. This approach creates a partnership where both you and your lawyer are committed to achieving a favorable outcome.
What Types of Injuries do You Help With?
A car accident lawyer can assist you with a wide range of injuries resulting from accidents. Understanding the types of injuries can help you seek the compensation you deserve. Here are some common injuries we can help with:
Whiplash
A common injury in car accidents, whiplash occurs when the head is jolted forward and then back, causing neck pain and stiffness.
Broken Bones
Fractures can range from minor to severe, often requiring medical treatment and rehabilitation, impacting your ability to work and perform daily activities.
Head Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can have long-lasting effects on cognitive function, memory, and overall quality of life.
Spinal Injuries
Injuries to the spine can lead to chronic pain, limited mobility, or even paralysis, significantly affecting your life.
Soft Tissue Injuries
These include sprains, strains, and tears in muscles or ligaments, which can cause pain and limit movement.
Internal Injuries
Accidents can also cause damage to internal organs, requiring immediate medical attention and potentially long-term care.
If you’ve suffered any of these injuries in an accident, a knowledgeable lawyer can help you navigate your claim and ensure you receive the compensation you need for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Your recovery is our priority.
Contact a New London Car Accident Law Firm for a Free Initial Consultation
When you’re in a motor vehicle accident, you could experience devastating consequences affecting your well-being, property, and financial security. Our car accident lawyers in New London are dedicated to helping victims of vehicle crashes get the compensation they deserve.
When you’ve been hurt, don’t hesitate to seek legal representation.
If you want to learn more about your legal rights and options following a car accident, contact us today for a free consultation, and remember there is no fee unless we win.