After a car accident, the costs associated with medical treatment and missed time from work can add up quickly and put you in a challenging financial position. Fortunately, with the help of an experienced car accident lawyer in Watertown, you can build a case to recover compensation from the liable party.
At Hoy Law, we have been representing accident victims in Watertown for more than 35 years. Our experienced team of Watertown personal injury lawyers will use every resource at our disposal to ensure a positive outcome for your case.
Get in touch with us today to schedule a free case consultation with a member of our team.
Act Quickly After a Car Accident to Recover the Money You Need
Following a car accident, it is critical to act quickly to protect your right to pursue compensation and give yourself the best chance of a positive outcome. According to the South Dakota statute of limitations accident victims have three years to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party. Missing this deadline can leave you out of options for recovering damages.
However, the filing deadline is not set in stone. Exceptions could apply that alter the amount of time you have to file your claim. An exception could allow you to file your lawsuit long after the standard deadline. Alternatively, you could find that rather than three years, you only have a matter of months to submit the required paperwork.
An added reason to act quickly following an accident is that doing so will put your lawyer in the best position to build a strong case on your behalf. Hiring a car accident attorney serving Watertown soon after your accident will help them recover evidence in your case and record witness testimony while the events are still fresh.
For a free legal consultation with a car accident lawyer serving Watertown, call 605-334-8900
Steps You Should Take to Help Your Case After a Car Accident
The most important thing you can do to help your case following a car accident is to secure the services of an experienced car accident lawyer in Watertown. Once you have an attorney, they will handle every aspect of your legal case. However, there are still actions you can take to help ensure your case is strong and that you get the money you need.
It’s critical that you follow all medical advice from your doctor and stick to your treatment schedule. Failing to do so can result in a misdiagnosis, and your original injury could worsen.
You will not be able to pursue compensation from the party that caused your accident for additional damages you incur by failing to follow your treatment plan.
Don’t let medical costs deter you from seeking the medical attention you require. At Hoy Law, we can help put you in touch with options to cover your medical bills while awaiting compensation from the at-fault party, in certain cases.
Watertown Car Accident Lawyer Near Me 605-334-8900
Damages an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer Serving Watertown Can Help You Recover
Following a car accident in which you sustained severe injuries, there are different damages you will likely be eligible to pursue from the at-fault party. To secure the full amount you are entitled to collect, it is critical that you identify all the damages that apply.
While many of the applicable damages in your case will be clear, some damages are harder to identify without experience in these types of cases. Fortunately, an experienced lawyer can review the details of your accident and the losses you suffered as a result to determine all the damages that apply.
Compensatory Damages
Compensatory damages are monetary compensation for any losses suffered by an accident victim. They are divided into economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages cover all the financial losses resulting from your accident, and the compensation you receive for these losses is meant to cover what you lost to the dollar. Meanwhile, non-economic damages cover all your losses that impact your quality of life rather than your bank account.
Some of the compensatory damages most frequently awarded in car accident cases include:
- Permanent disability
- Lost wages
- Decreased earning ability
- Loss of companionship
- Mental anguish
- Loss of consortium
- Property damage
- Medical bills
- Future medical expenses
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
When you hire a lawyer to help with your car accident case, they will conduct a thorough investigation into your accident and review all the losses you sustained. Your attorney will identify all the damages that apply and give you the best chance of securing a favorable case result.
If a loved one was killed in a car accident, you can file a wrongful death claim to recover a variety of damages not available in a standard personal injury case, including funeral and burial expenses. An experienced Watertown wrongful death lawyer can help.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages differ significantly from compensatory damages. Punitive damages are not used to compensate an accident victim for their losses. Instead, they are used to punish the at-fault party for causing the accident. A judge will only consider punitive damages in extreme cases involving malice or gross negligence.
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Get Help from an Experienced Car Accident Attorney in Watertown Today
Following a car accident in which you were seriously injured, recovering compensation can be essential for your long-term financial well-being. Securing the services of an experienced car accident attorney serving Watertown will significantly improve your odds of a positive outcome. At Hoy Law, our team will do everything we can to ensure a favorable resolution.
You can contact us by using our chat tool, filling out our online contact form, or calling us to set up your free initial case review today.
Call or text 605-334-8900 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
