When Should You Contact A Denver Auto Accident Attorney?
If you are ever involved in a car accident, your first priority following the collision should be to seek medical attention for your injuries. Then, next on your to-do list should be contacting an experienced Denver auto accident attorney. Seeking legal representation may be the last thing on your mind at a time like this, but it’s imperative that you contact an attorney right away. Here’s why:
Statute of Limitations
Car accident victims only have three years from the date of the collision to file a personal injury claim against the at-fault party. Three years may seem like more than enough time, but if you are recovering from injuries and trying to deal with the emotional trauma of being in an accident, three years will pass in the blink of an eye. This is one of the reasons why it’s imperative to get in touch with an attorney as soon as possible after the accident. The earlier that you make contact with an attorney, the sooner he can begin working on your case to ensure you file a claim before time's up. Learn about Colorado civil statutes of limitations.
Insurance Company
Was the other party at fault in the accident? If so, the driver will notify his auto insurance company of the accident shortly after it has occurred. Then, his insurance company will try to reach out to you in order to talk about the accident. The insurance adjuster that calls you may even ask you to make a recorded statement talking about the collision. Making a statement may not seem like a big deal, however, it’s in your best interests not to do so until you have consulted with an attorney.
The insurance company will try to get you to admit fault or downplay the severity of your injuries while you are giving this statement. For instance, an insurance adjuster may say “I’m so glad to hear you’re ok,” after listening to you talk about the accident. If you respond with something like “thank you,” the insurance company could then take this out of context and use it to prove that you admitted you were perfectly fine after the accident. Insurance adjusters know how to use your own words against you even if you haven’t really said anything wrong.
In addition to twisting your words around, the insurance adjuster may also try to pressure you into quickly accepting an unfair settlement. They may insinuate that this is the best they can offer you or that you’re lucky to receive such a high offer, but this is not true. For these reasons, it’s imperative that you hire an attorney right away after the accident. Your attorney will take over the communications with the at-fault driver’s insurance company so you don’t have to worry about how you will impact your case by saying the wrong thing.
If you have been injured in a car accident, don’t hesitate to seek legal representation from an experienced personal injury attorney. Call us or contact Mark A. Simon to discuss your right to recover compensation during a free consultation.