Business

Should I Hire a Car Accident Attorney?

February 1, 2023
Vikas Sudan

Hiring an attorney after a car accident can make all the difference between successfully negotiating a settlement and being left in overwhelming debt.

When dealing with the aftermath of a car accident, hiring an attorney helps you increase your chances of getting a favorable outcome. If your accident was more than a fender bender, you might struggle with medical expenses, loss of income, and other significant losses.

A car accident attorney will help you negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance company. If your case goes to trial, they can help you navigate the court system, educate you on your rights, and even investigate your case to establish the facts

Reasons to Hire a Car Accident Attorney?

So, why should I consider hiring a car accident attorney if I’m involved in an accident? Let us find out:

They Can Help You Understand Car Accident Laws and Regulations

Most victims do not have an in-depth understanding of the laws covering car accidents. If you are involved in a minor collision, it is easy to negotiate with the at-fault’s driver’s insurance company.

However, in severe accidents that result in a fatality or serious injuries, hiring an attorney can make a significant difference in your claim. 

They can offer legal advice, negotiate better terms with the insurance company and make the legal process more straightforward.

The Accident Resulted in Severe Damages

Car accidents, however minor, result in varying degrees of damage. Whether it is minor expenses incurred in finding alternative means of transport or expensive medical bills, you need to recover these damages.

If you are involved in an accident that results in severe damages, an attorney can help you calculate the appropriate costs. 

Most attorneys also have the expertise to help you estimate future medical costs based on your medical reports.

The Insurance Company Denies Your Claim

It is common for insurance companies to offer lower settlements or try to deny your claim altogether. 

Hiring an attorney from the beginning of the insurance claim process increases your chances of getting a fair settlement.

Your lawyer will help you navigate the negotiation process and ensure your claim is not devalued. They also ensure you receive maximum compensation.

The Insurance Company Is Not Open to Negotiation

If the insurance company denies your claim and refuses to negotiate, you may need to hire an attorney to file a lawsuit. 

In this case, your lawyer will offer legal services and represent you in court to fight for your right to fair compensation.

What Does a Car Accident Lawyer Do?

Here are some ways that an experienced car accident attorney can help you.

Proving Liability

A successful claim depends on proving liability. Even with witness statements and police reports stating the other driver is at fault, you still need to prove they were careless and breached their duty of care. A car accident attorney can help you prove the following elements of negligence:

  • The at-fault driver owed a duty of care.
  • The at-fault driver breached their duty of care.
  • The victim suffered injuries or damages as a result of the breach of duty of care.
  • The victim suffered losses due to their injuries.

Many other factors determine the outcome of a car accident claim. However, an experienced lawyer can offer references and citations to support your claim and help you prove liability.

Handling the Insurance Company

Victims dealing with the insurance company immediately after an accident often get low and unfair compensation. 

The insurance adjuster’s job is to protect the insurance company’s profits, so they are unlikely to offer you the maximum compensation you deserve.

An experienced attorney can handle negotiations with the insurance company to maximize your compensation. 

They understand insurance laws that are likely to impact your claim and can also help you interpret the various provisions in your policy.

Understanding coverage, limitations, and exclusions increases the odds of getting maximum compensation for your injuries, damages, pain, and suffering.

Finding Evidence to Support Your Claim

The outcome of your claim is determined mainly by the evidence you provide. A car accident lawyer can help you investigate the circumstances around your accident. They will collect evidence such as:

  • Video footage
  • Accident scene photos
  • Cell phone videos and photos
  • Police accident reports
  • Witness statements
  • Medical records
  • Medical scans and tests
  • Your statement
  • Expert witness evaluations

An experienced lawyer may also work with investigators to analyze vehicle damage and compile all the evidence into your insurance claim. 

Hiring an attorney ensures you can present all the evidence proving that the at-fault driver caused you to suffer emotional damage or sustain bodily harm and financial losses.

Explaining Settlement Options

Aside from collecting evidence, your attorney can also help you understand which settlement options are available. While some claims make it to trial, many car accident cases are typically settled out of court.

Victims who accept settlement offers from the insurance company may never be able to sue again, even if they suffer lifelong injuries. 

A car accident attorney will help you understand the impact of accepting such an offer on any long-term damages you may suffer.

They can also advise you whether to accept the compensatory offer or negotiate a better deal on your behalf.

Filing a Court Case

A car accident attorney can also help you file a lawsuit if your claim does not end up in an out-of-court settlement. Trials are time-consuming and expensive, but with the right lawyer, you can navigate the process more efficiently.

Refrain from trying to represent yourself in court. The insurance company has more resources and will try to outsmart you or prevent you from filing a lawsuit. 

Hiring a seasoned lawyer protects you from the pressure of settling for poor compensation or letting go of your claim.

Your attorney will help you prepare all the necessary documents, submit them, and help you stay updated on the court proceedings. They also understand and can counter the tricks and tactics other lawyers might use to disprove your claim.

Summary

The road to recovery after a severe car accident is difficult. In some cases, an accident can have long-lasting effects that impact the rest of your life. 

However, with the proper legal support, you can recover financially as you continue to heal physically and emotionally.

If you have been in an accident, get in touch with a car accident attorney to increase your chances of getting a fair settlement. 

We recommend researching before choosing a lawyer to ensure that you hire a professional concerned about your needs.

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