Frequently askedLeer en español
What people ask after a car accident
- I just had a car accident. What should I do right now?Call the police right away, at the time of the accident, and then get medical treatment: a hospital, a doctor's office or physical therapy, even if you feel fine. As soon as you have received treatment, call a lawyer. The police report, photos of your injuries and damage, and any footage of the accident are the evidence that matters most.
- When should I call a lawyer after a car accident?Immediately after seeking treatment. Calling early protects your rights, preserves the evidence that matters (the police report and your medical records) and keeps the insurance company from pressuring you into a low settlement before you know the real extent of your injuries.
- What are the most common mistakes after a car accident?The two mistakes we see most often: waiting too long to start legal action, and not starting medical treatment. Not going to the hospital to check for internal injuries, and accepting the insurance company's first quick offer, also hurt cases that could have been strong.
- What evidence do I need for a car accident injury case?The police report, pictures of your injuries and of the damage, and any footage of the accident. Your medical records and your insurance information complete the file. If you do not have everything at hand, contact us anyway: we guide you on what to gather.
- What is the insurance company going to do after my accident?Expect a call with a quick offer. Our advice: never accept it. Insurance companies reach out early and offer money so that you do not move forward with a lawsuit, and those first offers are normally the least amount possible. Confirm your injuries with a doctor and have the offer reviewed before you sign anything.
- What can I claim after a car accident?You can claim bodily injury compensation for the injuries you suffered in that motor vehicle accident, and also the damage to your property, such as your car. We pursue it by suing the party who caused the accident. To know what your case is worth, an attorney needs to review your injuries, treatment, fault and insurance.
- How long does a car accident injury case take?Every case is different. Some take up to 8 months; others 1 to 2 years, or 3 years, depending on how serious your injuries are. For example, some people feel better with physical therapy, while others need surgery or injections. Our priority is not to close the case until we fully understand how the injuries could affect you, so we can pursue fair compensation.
- How much does a car accident injury lawyer charge?Nothing at the beginning of the case: Melgar Law Firm does not charge you up front. We charge only if we win your case. The case review is free and bilingual, in English and Spanish.
- How does Melgar Law Firm fight for fair compensation?We thoroughly investigate each case, gather strong evidence, negotiate aggressively with the insurance companies and, when necessary, take the case to court to protect your rights and pursue the maximum compensation available. We analyze your injuries, how serious they are and how they could affect you in the future, together with the collateral losses you had.
- What personal injury cases does Melgar Law Firm handle?We handle personal injury cases from motor vehicle accidents: if you were hurt in a car accident, as a driver, passenger or pedestrian, we can help. We do not handle slip-and-fall, workplace accident or medical malpractice cases.
