If you’ve been hurt in a car accident, you’re probably dealing with a lot: pain, doctor visits, and a mountain of paperwork. It might be tempting to settle things quickly with the insurance company, but there’s good reason to hit the brakes and call a lawyer first.
- Understanding Your Rights
Perhaps most importantly, an attorney can help you understand your legal rights. The law surrounding car accidents and personal injury is complicated and varies from state to state. An experienced lawyer will explain your rights and the legal options available to you in clear terms.
A skilled attorney will guide you through the intricacies of the law, ensuring you don’t get taken advantage of during the process. (Which is surprisingly common.) They know all of the red flags and invisible “pitfalls” to look for. And at the end of the day, knowing your rights is the first step in ensuring you receive fair treatment and compensation – so don’t overlook this.
- Accurately Assessing Your Claim’s Value
Determining the true value of your claim involves more than just adding up medical bills. It includes current and future medical expenses, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, and other damages like pain and suffering.
An attorney has the expertise to accurately assess the full extent of your claim. They will consider all factors, including long-term effects of your injuries, to ensure the compensation you receive is comprehensive and fair.
Without this sort of legal expertise, you risk settling for less than you deserve.
- Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Dealing with insurance companies can be daunting. While they’ll never admit it out loud, their primary goal is to minimize payouts. As such, they can be challenging and frustrating to negotiate with.
An attorney knows how insurance companies operate and has experience negotiating with them. They can advocate on your behalf, making sure your claim is taken seriously and that you receive a fair settlement.
“The burden is on the injured victim to prove the at-fault party’s negligence,” Rosenthal, Levy, Simon & Sosa explains. “Defendants and insurance providers might minimize or deny your claim unless you show them that you’re willing to fight for your legal rights in court.”
Think of it like this: With a lawyer, you have someone who understands the tactics used by insurers and can counteract them effectively, leveling the playing field. They know when to be aggressive and when to let things play out. This level of expertise is irreplaceable.
Read Also: Things to Know Before Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer
- Managing Documentation and Deadlines
The aftermath of a car accident involves a mountain of paperwork, from medical records and bills to insurance claims and legal documents. Managing this paperwork, especially when you’re injured and recovering, can be stressful.
When you have an attorney, they’ll handle all the documentation related to your case, making sure everything is in order and submitted on time. They’ll keep track of deadlines for filing claims, court dates, and other important milestones, relieving you of the burden and allowing you to focus on your recovery. This might seem like a small task in the grand scheme of things, but it’s a really significant key to the entire process.
- Representing You in Court
While many personal injury cases are settled out of court, some do go to trial. If this happens, having an attorney is invaluable. They will prepare your case, gather evidence, and represent you in court. An experienced lawyer knows how to present your case effectively to a judge or jury, advocating for your best interests. They can cross-examine witnesses, challenge evidence presented by the opposing side, and argue for the compensation you deserve based on the law and the facts of your case – all crucial things you need.
Find the Right Attorney for You
There are thousands of car accident attorneys in the United States – including hundreds in your state alone. So the question becomes, how do you find the right attorney?
The answer to this question isn’t as straightforward as you might like, because there are so many different variables involved. With that being said, the best attorney for you is going to be someone who is experienced, has practiced law in your state for many years, and is willing to fight back against crooked insurance companies (and even take them to court, if needed).
Above all else, you should feel a sense of trust around your lawyer. If those elements are present, then you’ve found a good option!