It is hard to think straight after a sudden car crash. If you are physically okay and capable, check if other drivers and passengers need medical help and call 911 without any further delay. The state laws of Idaho require drivers to report the accident when there is injury, death, or property damage involved. Do not leave the scene and wait for the local law enforcement agency to respond. You should also consider calling a Boise Idaho auto accident lawyer soon after the crash to know your rights and interests. In this post, we are sharing more on the role of an attorney.
Dealing with the immediate aftermath
With the stress of the accident hanging on your shoulders, you may have trouble taking the right steps. If there were witnesses to the accident, you must gather statements, check your medical records, and talk to doctors to know your injuries. You should also have a copy of the police report and investigate the accident scene and gather evidence. All of that can be overwhelming. With an attorney by your side, you don’t have to bother about all that. Attorneys know what it takes to investigate auto accidents, and when needed, they may even talk to crash reconstruction experts.
Evaluate the worth of your claim
How much should you get in a settlement? What if you were also at fault for the crash? What if the other party thinks you are entirely at fault? Idaho follows the modified comparative fault rule, which means you cannot ask for a settlement if you are more at fault than the party you are trying to sue. To know the true worth of your claim, you need to find an attorney. Your lawyer will ensure that you don’t settle for less or end up taking the blame for the accident.
Communicate with the insurance company
Hiring an attorney is more about dealing with the insurance company, which certainly isn’t working in your favor. Insurance representatives often adhere to unfair and unethical tactics, and they don’t care about anything as long as they are not paying hugely for the claim. The role of an attorney is to communicate and negotiate with the insurance company on behalf of the client.
The good news is your lawyer won’t get a dime until you get paid by the other party or their insurance company. Lawyers in Idaho also offer free case evaluation, which is an additional advantage.