If you’ve been involved in a car accident, you might think that you can handle it on your own. However, it’s important to remember that insurance companies are not on your side. It’s essentially you versus them.
And if they decide they don’t want to pay out a reasonable amount, you could be left in a bad spot. Hiring an attorney is one of the best things you can do to prevent worst-case scenarios (and to set yourself up to get the best possible results).
A lawyer can’t magically get you the result you want. They can, however, put you in the best possible position for success. Here are five specific reasons why you should hire an attorney after a car accident:
You might assume that your insurance company, or the at-fault party’s insurer, will cover all your expenses without hassle. However, insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. They scrutinize claims for reasons to deny them or reduce the settlement amount.
An experienced car accident attorney knows how these companies operate. They can handle all communications and negotiations, ensuring that your claim is presented in a way that maximizes your potential compensation.
With an attorney by your side, you’re not just another claim number – you actually have a skilled advocate fighting for your interests.
Car accident laws vary significantly between states, particularly concerning fault and liability. Some states operate under comparative negligence rules, which can complicate how damages are calculated based on each party’s degree of fault.
Without a deep understanding of these laws, you could end up with a settlement that doesn’t accurately reflect your losses – or worse, you might be unfairly deemed at fault. An attorney well-versed in your state’s traffic laws and liability principles can crucially impact the outcome of your claim.
One of the top reasons to hire an attorney is the potential for a higher settlement. Studies show that people with legal representation typically receive higher compensation than those who go it alone, even after attorney’s fees are considered.
This is because an attorney can accurately assess the full scope of your claim, including current medical bills, future medical expenses, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
“Non-economic damages are often more of a challenge to quantify because these losses have influenced your lifestyle and mental state,” Raybin & Weissman, P.C. explains. “For instance, how much would you consider your pain and suffering to be worth?”
An attorney is going to make sure your claim goes beyond just the medical bills and other documented expenses. They’ll help you get compensated for the non-economic damages as well (which can really take your payout to the next level).
Negotiating with insurance companies can be scary and unfamiliar territory. They often employ tactics that aim to get you to settle quickly and for less than you deserve.
An attorney has the negotiation skills to counter these tactics effectively. They know how to build a strong case that pressures insurers into offering a fair settlement.
If negotiations stall, an attorney can escalate the matter to court, something that insurance companies often wish to avoid due to the time and expense involved.
After a car accident, your primary focus should be on recovery, not on legal battles and insurance paperwork. Hiring an attorney provides peace of mind, knowing that an experienced professional is handling the complex aspects of your claim.
This allows you to concentrate on your physical and emotional healing without the stress of fighting your own case.
While it’s clearly important to find an attorney to help you fight for your rights in the aftermath of a car accident, it should also be pointed out that not all attorneys are created equal.
Hiring the guy around town with the most billboards and bus stop ads isn’t always the answer. You need someone with experience and a track record of getting results for their clients.
It’s also important to consider the personal connection you have with an attorney. Just because their track record is good doesn’t mean you’re going to meld with them. You need someone you feel comfortable with and trust fully.
Sometimes, it can take a little bit of time to find that attorney. Do your research, schedule consultations, and only choose an attorney once you’re confident you have the right person for the job.
If you are interested in even more lifestyle-related articles and information from us here at Bit Rebels, then we have a lot to choose from.
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