Not all Iowa car accident victims need to hire a personal injury attorney. If your crash was only a minor fender-bender, or you suffered no injuries, it is probably safe for you to negotiate a settlement on your own. The following are some tips about settling your own claim and some advice on when to hire an Iowa car accident lawyer.
1. Be Aware of Iowa’s Statute of Limitations For Personal Injury Claims
If you are injured in a crash, there is a limited amount of time you have to settle your injury claim or sue the other driver. This is known as the “statute of limitations.” Generally, the statute of limitations on Iowa car accident claims is 2 years from the date of the accident. If you do not settle your claim or file a lawsuit before that time is up, you may lose out on getting any compensation for your injuries.
If you can’t settle your case on your own, you will want to hire a car accident lawyer who can help you file a lawsuit. That doesn’t mean you should wait until the last minute to hire a lawyer, however. Your attorney will need time to investigate your case before a lawsuit can be filed.
If you are injured in a crash, it is always a good idea to consult with an attorney as soon as possible. Most car accident attorneys will do free initial consultations for car accident victims so people understand how much time they have to take action if their injuries don’t heal quickly.
2. Don’t Give the Insurance Company a Recorded Statement After A Car Accident
The other driver’s insurance company will probably ask you to give them a recorded statement about the crash. Be wary of doing so. The insurance representative is trained to take recorded statements that can later be used against you in court.
Do not be fooled – you do not have to give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company. If an insurance representative asks you to do so, tell them you will speak with them after you have healed from your injuries and are ready to discuss settlement.
3. Don’t Post on Social Media Until Your Iowa Auto Accident Case Is Settled
Posting on your Facebook or Twitter accounts you were injured in a car accident is never a good idea. The insurance industry can and will use your social media posts against you – either during settlement negotiations or in court. If you post about your injuries or about dealing with the insurance company, be assured it will affect your settlement.
You might think you’re safe in posting information that has nothing to do with your car crash. That’s not true either. Insurance companies will use any social media post they can to limit the amount of money they pay you. This can include anything from posts about your activities to family vacation photos. They will use these posts to argue that you are not as injured as you claim. And unfortunately, if your case goes to trial, juries often believe them.
Don’t risk losing the fair compensation you deserve. Until you have settled your car accident claim, it is best to stay off of social media completely.
When Should You Get an Iowa Car Accident Lawyer Involved?
Let’s discuss when it’s a good idea to involve an attorney after an auto accident. If you suffer injuries during your car crash, handling your own claim can become complicated. That is because you may be entitled to several different types of compensation if you have been injured. Innocent car accident victims can be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, loss of function, and pain and suffering under Iowa law.
To make sure that you’re getting a fair settlement, it’s best to speak with a car accident attorney. Handling a car accident claim can be overwhelming. If you need help, call RSH Legal today at 1-319-774-1542.
