Several questions are asked after car accidents. What next? Will you incur medical bills? Is the insurance company offering a fair settlement? Are there damages you don’t know how to prove? Is there an at-fault party whose recklessness caused the accident? If you do not have clear answers to the questions, then it’s a cue to consult an auto accident lawyer to avoid damaging your claim.
Not convinced you need a lawyer? Below are 5 ways auto accident lawyers can help you:
- Gathering Evidence of Liability:
Evidence starts to fade after an accident; eyewitnesses disappear, vehicles are moved and you may have forgotten to take pictures. However, a lawyer can help you gather the necessary evidence to build up your case by investigating all contributing factors to the accident. A good attorney will find and speak with the eyewitnesses and police officers until they obtain evidence of liability.
Also, a good lawyer will help obtain evidence of damages in cases where you suffered significant injuries as a result of the car accident. It’s necessary to obtain documentation related to the injuries, like health records, and bills from the hospital. Meanwhile, it’s not easy to get these records, but with a lawyer involved, your chances are quite high.
- Determine the Responsible Parties:
With enough evidence, a lawyer will be able to pinpoint all the potentially responsible parties who may be liable for compensation. For example, if it’s a case where the car malfunctions, then the car manufacturer is potentially at fault. And in cases where the accident is as a result of the government’s actions or negligence, then you can hold the government responsible.
- Compensation for Treatment and Damages:
Expenses incurred after a serious car accident can be a lot and may permanently impact one’s livelihood. However, by reaching out to an attorney, you would be able to obtain sufficient evidence, estimate medical costs and other accident-related expenses. With this assessment, your chances of receiving an adequate settlement is high.
- Communicate with The Other Driver’s Insurance Company/Defendants:
In cases of personal injury, a lawyer will open a line of communication with the other party’s insurer to negotiate a satisfactory settlement. Lawyers understand the law pertaining to car accident claims and know the art of negotiation. A good attorney will figure out how much a case is worth and conduct negotiations for the best outcome.
- Negotiate with Lien Holders:
If you’ve received benefits from a disability, health, or worker’s compensation insurer, then that insurer will have a lien of your claim. This means they stand the chance of getting paid before you do from the settlement you receive. A good car accident lawyer will work with such a lienholder to reduce its lien.
- Represent you In Court
Most car accidents claims are settled before they get to court. However, if you end you end up going to a trial to prove your claim, a car accident lawyer will represent you and fight ruthlessly for your compensation.
So When Should I Hire a Lawyer?
