After being seriously injured in an auto accident, anyone is under a lot of stress and has a lot of worries. An auto accident lawyer in Centralia, WA can be helpful in dealing with the insurance company since the lawyer does this every day and knows how to deal with the insurance company.
It’s not necessary to hire an attorney for every accident. However, when someone has been injured, it’s better to play it safe and talk to an attorney before deciding what to do.
The Statute of Limitations in Washington
In the state of Washington, the statute of limitations is three years, beginning on the date of the accident. It’s not necessary for medical treatment to be finished before filing a lawsuit. After three years, the court will not accept the case.
Be Careful When Talking to the Insurance Adjuster
An insurance adjuster will be in contact after an accident. Most of the time, an insurance company prefers to settle out of court. The first offer from the insurance adjuster will be the lowest. Insurance companies don’t start with a high offer and go down.
On a minor claim, providing the information that the insurance adjuster asks for will be necessary to settle the claim. If their are serious injuries, it’s far better to talk to a lawyer before having a long talk with the insurance adjuster. Act as if every word said will be recorded (it probably will be). Saying the wrong thing could result in a serious loss of compensation when the claim settles.
It Takes Time to Heal
A quick settlement is fine if the car door was dented and you just need it fixed. When there has been an injury, however, the true extent of the damage may not be known for some time. After any accident, it’s always a good idea to be checked by a doctor. Many people who suffer whiplash, for example, develop chronic neck problems. It just takes the time to know how long it will take to heal from any injury and how much it will cost in lost wages, medical expenses and other costs.
Consider contacting the law firm of Putnam Lieb Potvin when you need an Auto Accident Lawyer in Centralia, WA. Since 1980, these attorneys have been focused on obtaining all of the benefits that an injured person is entitled to. Schedule an appointment today to discuss your legal options.