A Personal Injury Lawyer Explains Why you Should Speak to a Lawyer Soon After an Accident
Posted: Saturday, October 17, 2009
by Brenda Hollingsworth
Auger Hollingsworth
After a car accident or other serious accident, your world may be upside down. You may be at the hospital, or home in bed. Your mobility may be reduced or eliminated. Where once you were independant, you may now require assistance. With all that on your plate, and often more, it may not seem urgent to add seeing a lawyer to your already crazy schedule.
By speaking to a personal injury lawyer shortly after an accident, you will learn what steps to take to preserve important evidence. For example, a lawyer will explain to you what photos you should take immediately and how you should document those photos.
A personal injury lawyer will also explain what steps you should take to document the damage to your vehicle. In some cases where the vehicle itself is suspected of playing a role in the accident, a conversation with a lawyer will help you to clarify how you can investigate the potential liability of your vehicle manufacturer or mechanic.
A very stressful event after a motor vehicle accident relates to the arrival of the insurance company into your life by mail, by phone and sometimes at your door. A personal injury lawyer can help you develop a strategy for dealing with the insurance company fairly, while preserving your rights.
Sometimes, an injured victim has an immediate right to benefits, especially after a car accident where no-fault benefits may be available. An early discussion with a personal injury lawyer can help you to ensure that you get all the benefits to which you are entitled. This step may be vital to your rehabilitation or financial survival in the crisis period after an accident.
Speaking to a lawyer who focusses on personal injury may also assist you in getting the rehabilitation assistance you need. While you should be wary of lawyers who lead to you to a particular health care practitioner, an experienced personal injury lawyer will be aware of specialties and services that most citizens do not even know exist. Brainstorming with the lawyer about where to go to improve your medical condition may provide you with information to take to your physician.
You may also not be aware of all the time limits that apply to your accident case. If you miss a limitation period, you may be out of luck if you later want to sue. Getting this information up front helps you plan your time as you work through your recovery process and consider whether or not to sue.
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Brenda Hollingsworth is a personal injury lawyer in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. She practices at Auger Hollingsworth, where she is a founding partner. Most of Brenda's practice is focussed on personal injury and assisting accident victims to recover damages. Contact Brenda at http://www.personalinjuryottawa.ca or by telephone at 613 233-4529 or by email at info@ottawalawfirm.ca
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