There are several ways in which a lawyer can help an injured car accident victim. Personal injury lawyers that specialize in car accident cases are experts in this field of the law and are adept at proving fault.
Moreover, they can file your insurance claim and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf to make sure you get the most favorable settlement offer possible.
What Your Lawyer Does After Your Car Accident
While each case is different, there are 4 essential things a lawyer will do for you:
Evaluate the settlement offer.
Most car accident lawyers work on a contingency basis. They won’t collect any payment from you unless your case is won or unless you get compensation. So if what the insurance company is offering is fair, your lawyer will tell you so. On the other hand, if your lawyer says you could potentially get a lot more, oftentimes they’re right.
Establish liability and strengthen your case.
It’s not common for insurance companies to take what the accident victim is saying at face value. Your lawyer’s job is to strengthen your case and provide all the necessary evidence to establish liability.
They will be the ones to gather evidence such as:
- Police reports, eyewitness accounts, and medical records
- Pictures/videos taken at the accident scene
- Vehicle damage assessment by an expert
- Study of evidence
- Documentation of financial losses
They may also be able to talk to the investigators, doctor and those who specialize in auto accident reconstruction to boost your case.
Negotiate with the insurance company.
Lawyers are adept at insurance claims and can pressure the insurance company to make sure you get a fair settlement without having to go to court.
Take care of the legal stuff.
Whether it’s documentation for your insurance claim or filing a complaint at the courthouse, your lawyer will deal with all the legal procedures and paperwork for your case.
Benefits of Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer
When you get into an accident on the road and you suffer some pretty severe injuries, the last thing you want to think about is how to get compensation for damages. You should be focused on getting medical treatment and recovering from your injuries.
The main benefit of working with a car accident attorney is they take the burden off you. They will work on your case meticulously, gather evidence to establish liability, deal with the insurance company and negotiate to get a favorable settlement.
But that’s not all.
Here are other benefits of hiring a lawyer if you’re injured in a car accident:
1. They Know the Legal Process
Litigation is a complex process and every case is different. Having a seasoned car accident lawyer gives you confidence that your case is being handled correctly. These attorneys are well-versed in the complexities of personal injury law and will prioritize your best interests during negotiations for a settlement or in the event of a trial.
2. They Can Get a Higher Settlement Offer
Insurance companies want to minimize their financial obligations which is why they have a team of lawyers to handle insurance claims. But when you have an experienced car accident attorney who knows how to negotiate with your insurer, you stand to get the highest compensation possible.
They will be able to determine your losses like lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering and most importantly, any current and future medical expenses that may arise as a result of your injuries.
3. You’ll Save Time
It can be very time consuming dealing with insurance companies. They’ll require a ton of paperwork and you’ll need to review evidence, medical records, and other documents. But lawyers do these things day in and day out. They also have assistants and paralegals to take care of all the paperwork and documents.
What if the Insurance Company’s Settlement Offer is Not Fair?
Insurance companies typically offer low settlements to minimize costs. They will be quick to give you their initial offer in the hopes that you’ll just accept it. But when you have a lawyer with strong negotiation skills, they can push for a higher offer taking into consideration your comprehensive medical care, lost wages and other damages.
How a Lawyer Determines How Much Your Claim is Worth
In order to determine the value of your claim one must have a deep understanding of state laws, legal precedents, and be familiar with your insurance coverage. You should also have a clear grasp of your long term injuries and their impact on your health and work abilities.
A proficient car accident attorney will assess your claim and take into consideration the economic and non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, to ensure you receive fair compensation that meets your needs.