If you have been in a car accident, you may be wondering if you need to hire a car accident lawyer – there are around 164,559 of them in the US. There are many benefits to hiring an attorney after one of the 36,164 car crashes that happen each day, even if your injuries seem minor. Here are some of the top reasons to consider hiring a car accident lawyer.
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A Car Accident Lawyer Can Investigate the Details of the Crash
After motor vehicle accidents, one of the most important things an auto accident lawyer can do is conduct a thorough investigation of the crash scene. Your lawyer will gather evidence, take photos of the scene, interview witnesses, obtain police reports, and review camera footage if available. Having a detailed understanding of how and why the crash occurred will help build your case and pinpoint who was at fault.
They Know How to Deal with Insurance Companies
The car insurance market is worth $34 trillion in the US. Insurance companies have teams of experienced claims adjusters and attorneys who are looking to minimize payouts. They may try to lowball you on a settlement offer or get you to make statements that hurt your claim. An attorney levels the playing field and serves as your advocate in negotiations with the insurance company. They know all the tactics insurers use and won’t let the insurance company take advantage of you.
They Can File a Lawsuit if Necessary
If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, a car accident lawyer can take the case to court and file a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf. The majority of accident claims settle out of court, but your attorney will not hesitate to litigate if that’s what it takes to get you full and fair compensation. An experienced trial lawyer can handle the litigation process for you while you focus on recovery.
They Understand the Legal Process
The legal process after a car accident can be complex, with filing deadlines, paperwork requirements, and procedures to follow. A lawyer knows the ins and outs of the system and what needs to be done to give your case the best chance of success. They’ll handle tasks like submitting demand letters, filing court documents, retaining expert witnesses, and working with healthcare providers.
They Can Calculate the Value of Your Claim
Every car accident claim has a monetary value based on factors like medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, property damage, and permanency of injuries. The average insurance claim for an injury in a car crash is $16,640. Calculating a fair settlement amount can be difficult without legal expertise. Your attorney will examine your unique case, crunch the numbers, and come up with a value for your claim to present to the insurance company during negotiations.
They Provide Objective Guidance
After a traumatic event like a car accident, having an objective professional looking out for your best interests is invaluable. Your lawyer only wants to see you fully compensated and will advise you based on legal experience and detachment from the situation. They can provide a clear perspective when emotions are running high.
Having legal representation on your side gives you the best chance of a successful claim outcome.