Need an auto accident lawyer?
Unfortunately, automotive accidents happen everyday. If you've been involved in an car crash that left you in pain you should consult legal advice. Legal experience means everything when emotions are running high following an auto accident, and you need a lawyer you can trust. If you’re looking for a car accident attorney in Wilmington, Delaware – give us a call!
At Stirparo Law, with over 25 years of personal injury experience, we are well-equipped to get you the help and compensation you deserve. With us, you'll receive practical counsel and excellent representation.
Are you suffering or have you suffered an injury due to an auto accident? If so, you may have a claim for your injuries and damages, no matter what type of crash it was:
- Injured Driver
- Injured Passenger
- Injured Motorcyclist
- Injured Bicyclist
- Injured Pedestrian
You may be entitled to compensation for medical visits, prescriptions, lost income and other losses as a result of a car wreck. It’s important to find a car accident attorney that will take the time to listen to the details of your accident and one that will know how to garner the benefits of the system to get you the best possible settlement based on the damages you have endured.
You’re in good hands with expert counsel, and your well-being and quality of life are our number one priority!
If you have been injured in an vehicle accident and want to know whether you can pursue a claim, please call Stirparo Law at (302) 479-9555 or contact us to schedule an appointment for a free consultation today! We’re happily serving New Castle, Kent and Sussex counties within the state of Delaware.
Critical first steps to take following an auto accident
The hours and days following an auto accident can be emotional and chaotic, making it difficult to think clearly and rationally. Often, the legalities of the crash are not the priority – especially if the injuries are severe and life-threatening. As a car accident lawyer, I recommend that you learn and become aware of the initial steps you should take in this scenario to prevent any further damage.
Before we discuss the steps – it’s important to keep in mind the following two questions regarding your case: First, what are the details surrounding the incident that has resulted in a complaint or claim? And, second, what type of harm has been inflicted?
- Step 1: Begin to gather information regarding your accident as soon as possible, or have a friend or relative help you. The more information you collect that supports your claim – the better. Take notes on what happened before, during and after the accident occurred.
Documenting date, time, location, and who else was there at the scene are also important. What was the weather like that day – did it play a role in the accident? What are your injuries? Write down any treatment you received, or work missed as a result. Are there any events planned or vacations that had to be canceled due to the accident? Write down anything you can recall about the collision. The longer you wait, the less reliable your memory.
- Step 2: Keep any evidence you may have collected at the scene and take photos for visual proof. Things such as damaged clothing, items found broken within the car and any medical records or important papers. Be sure and keep copies of any medical or related expenses, car repair records, and the police report.
- Step 3: Schedule a time to meet with an experienced car accident lawyer. In a car wreck where an injury has occurred, it is important to consult with an attorney.
Questions To Ask A Car Accident Attorney
A car accident attorney can help you to file a claim and work through any paperwork with your insurer, or they can also assist you in filing a lawsuit. If you are unsure about filing a formal suit or there are concerns, your car accident lawyer will discuss with you the pros and cons.
Once you’re ready to have the first meeting, here is a list of questions you may want to consider asking your car accident attorney. Keep in mind, this is a suggested list of questions and is by no means a complete list, as each case will have its own set of facts.
- What can I do to show that the other driver was at fault for the accident?
- Is it possible to receive compensation even though the accident was partially my fault?
- How and when do you get paid for your representation?
- How much time do I have to decide whether or not to file a lawsuit?
- What’s the difference between settling and suing and is it in my best interest to settle?
- If I decide to go forward with a formal suit – what court fees and costs will I need to cover?
- Once a plan of action is decided, how long will my case take – when can I expect to receive my compensation (if applicable)?
You can see why having an experienced car accident attorney answer these type of questions and represent you in your claim for injuries is so crucial. Stirparo Law is committed to our clients and to obtaining the most compensation for their injuries.
The Type Of Auto Insurance Coverage May Affect Compensation
It's not always necessary to file a formal lawsuit and many cases are resolved through a settlement without having to do so. There are various types of auto insurance coverages and some of them are listed below with a brief explanation of each.
- Bodily injury liability coverage – This insurance is fault of the driver, or defendants, fault. It's important to note that your liability policy will not cover you in this case.
- Medical payments coverage – A policy explicitly used for medical expenses no matter who was at fault. Very much like PIP, but different in that it doesn't cover lost income, funeral expenses, and loss of services.
- Personal injury protection (PIP) – This “no-fault” insurance coverage applies in a handful of states and is different from liability. PIP will cover medical expenses and lost wages (up to the policy limits) – even if the accident was your fault.
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage – If you’ve been hurt by a hit and run driver or if you’ve been hit by a driver who doesn’t have sufficient coverage to fully and truly compensate you for your injuries this is the insurance that will pay for your bodily injury costs.
Why A Lawsuit May Need To Be Filed
If your attorney has filed an insurance claim due to an auto accident and is unable to settle your claim with the liability adjuster, you may need to file a formal lawsuit. Keep in mind that even though a lawsuit is filed, your claim still can be settled at any time prior to trial.
What To Expect After You've Filed A Lawsuit
After your lawsuit is filed, your case is now in litigation and will enter what's known as the "discovery" phase. In this stage you (the plaintiff) and the defendant will exchange details about the accident in written form – called interrogatories. Depositions (in-person testimony) will also take place at some point in the process. Documents and reports will be submitted including every detail of the accident – there may even be an independent medical exam requested of the plaintiff by the defendant.
Once you have completed the discovery phase of your case, the civil court system will schedule a mandatory meeting for all parties involved to sit down and try to reach an agreement or settlement. In this process, a third-party person called a mediator gets involved to try to help resolve matters.
As your case continues forward, there may be various motions filed. For example, the defendant may file what's called a "motion for summary judgment," which states that the plaintiff has not made a strong enough case to receive any settlement. If the motion is denied by the court, this action may likely motivate the defendant to settle more quickly.
Time To Get Professional Help
Don’t wait any longer - get the help you deserve and the expert advice you need at Stirparo Law. We have years of experience in car accident cases, and our number one priority is reasonable and just compensation for our clients.
If you want a car accident lawyer near Wilmington, Delaware who will take the time to listen to you and fight hard for you to obtain the compensation you deserve – Stirparo Law is for you!
So, give us a call at (302) 479-9555 or contact us to schedule an appointment today for a free consultation!
