If you ever find yourself in a car accident, chances are you would benefit from hiring an auto accident attorney.
Between all the legal proceedings and insurance claims involved, car accident cases can get complicated fast.
Though you may be tempted to not hire an auto accident attorney, it can actually be more risky not to do so. Here’s why:
Contents
They are well-versed on potential damages.
Car accidents can result in many kinds of damages—many of which aren’t obvious.
They can include things like pain, disability, suffering, car repairs, property damage, loss of income and earning potential, loss of family companionship, and more.
Some damages are more apparent than others. For example, you may not realize that a car accident has caused you to suffer mental trauma until weeks after the fact. Similarly, you may not recognize certain damages to your car until later on.
A good auto accident attorney can help you identify all possible damages from a car accident by researching, investigating, and helping you gather evidence.
Evidence of damages may include interview transcripts, photos, medical records, police reports, weather reports, vehicle evaluations, and more.
What’s more, an auto accident attorney will know what various damages and injuries are worth to help ensure you don’t settle for compensation below what you deserve.
They know the law.
Personal injury laws are technical and complicated, difficult for the layman to interpret. Unless your an injury lawyer yourself, it’s very unlikely that you will understand all the laws pertaining to your case.
However, car accident attorneys are professionally trained in personal injury law. So they know your rights and what constitutes a fair resolution.
They also know the local laws in your area and how the local court system is likely to interpret the laws, which is a huge advantage for first-time (and even repeat) plaintiffs.
Auto accident lawyers know what constitutes negligence and fault and what the statue of limitations is in your state, which helps you meet important deadlines and not file your case too late.
Also, keep in mind that laws change. A trained lawyer will stay on top of the latest developments in personal injury law so that you aren’t working from outdated assumptions.
And finally, if an auto accident case results in one party suing another, a whole new set of rules must be followed. So it’s better to play it safe by having a lawyer on your side than taking the risk of making a costly mistake in a complicated case.
They can help you negotiate insurance claims.
Auto accident lawyers don’t just help you in the courtroom. They can also help you file and negotiate insurance claims.
Remember that auto insurance companies don’t want to make payouts. They’re a business. So the fewer payouts they make (and the smaller they are), the more they profit.
As a result, you may find it difficult to secure the payout you deserve. An auto accident attorney, however, can negotiate with your insurance company on your behalf.
They’re experienced negotiators who can help maximize your insurance claim payment and make sure your words aren’t taken out of context or twisted in a way that could be used against you.
They can represent you in court.
It can be hard to prove personal injury liability on your own. With a car accident lawyer, you don’t have to.
With their extensive experience and knowledge of the law, they can help convince the court and jury to take your side and grant a fair settlement.
They can help you avoid financial loss.
Without a lawyer, you’re more likely to make mistakes in a car accident case that could lead to enormous long-term financial losses.
For example, you may end up paying for car repairs, hospital bills, physical and mental therapy, and more. Expenses you wouldn’t have if a knowledgeable lawyer had been on your side.
What’s more, you can’t go back. Once the case is closed, you can’t reopen it because you’ll have signed a release to settle the case, which bars you from seeking further compensation.
Get it right the first time by consulting an auto accident attorney.
They have experience.
Most auto accident lawyers handle cases like yours every single day, and a seasoned one will have won many of them. So they’ll know what works and what doesn’t.
Take advantage of their experience to increase your chances of success.
They only charge you if you win your case.
Lastly, most car accident attorneys work on a contingency basis. This means they charge a percentage (usually around 30%) of whatever your ultimate compensation is.
So if your claim is denied, you won’t owe your lawyer anything. You only owe them if you win your case.
This also means you don’t have to worry about upfront fees.
The bottom line
At the end of the day, an auto accident lawyer gives you the best chance at success. In the vast majority of cases, you’ll be better off with one than without one.
So play it safe and consult an experienced auto accident attorney as soon as you find yourself in a serious (or even minor) car accident. You won’t regret it.
