Reasons to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer
When you’ve been in an accident that wasn’t your fault, it can be frustrating to deal with the insurance companies and other parties involved. In many cases, hiring an experienced attorney can get you back on the road to recovery faster and make sure you are properly compensated for any damages caused by the accident. Here are three reasons to hire a car accident lawyer after being in an accident.
You are responsible for your own recovery
After an accident, you will be dealing with your insurance company and hopefully, you are not facing any permanent injury that prevents you from returning to work. If you have been injured in an accident, and have only minor soft tissue injuries, it may be possible for you to handle everything on your own. However, if more serious injuries have occurred such as broken bones or back injuries it is highly recommended that you seek out legal counsel as soon as possible. Not only do car accident lawyers help keep costs down but they can also ensure that your case is taken care of properly.
The insurance companies have an army of lawyers
And they are trained professionals who will do anything to ensure that you don’t get compensated for your injuries. In fact, if it’s up to them, you won’t even be allowed to file your claim. The insurance company will do everything in their power (and expense) not only to minimize their liability and pay as little as possible but also to discourage you from fighting back against them. On average, personal injury attorneys see cases where victims have been pressured by insurers into settling for around 33% of their claim; some personal injury lawyers say settlements are often less than 20%. All too often, people injured in car accidents simply take what they can get because it is significantly better than nothing.
The insurance companies will try to make you look bad
Even when they know you’re innocent, insurance companies may try to make it look like you weren’t. This is called bad faith, and it happens more often than you think. Just be aware that they might do things like alter police reports or even lie. A good lawyer will know how to use these tactics against them and work hard in your defense. Having someone on your side who has gone up against them before will be of immense help. Your injuries are too significant for small claims court: If your injuries aren’t minor, don’t assume that small claims court is your only option for compensation.
There are time limits on filing claims
Just because you’ve suffered injuries in an accident, that doesn’t mean you can file a claim. If you do not submit your claim within one year of an accident, it could be impossible to recover compensation for future medical bills or lost wages. Even if it’s been less than a year since your accident but you are unsure about filing a claim, speaking with an attorney as soon as possible will help ensure that any evidence is preserved and any applicable laws aren’t overlooked. Car accidents are extremely complicated scenarios, so even seasoned experts need time to review medical records and evaluate injury claims—lawyers don’t just want to help their clients but also make sure they avoid other legal issues down the road.