Not only are you dealing with the aftermath of a potentially severe or even life-threatening collision, but you may also be facing expensive medical bills, lost wages, and the stress of dealing with insurance companies.
If you’ve been involved in a car accident, you may be wondering if you need to hire a car accident attorney. The answer depends on several factors, including the accident’s severity, the insurance companies involved, and your personal comfort level.
Typically, if you have been involved in a relatively severe car accident and suffered significant injuries, hiring an attorney may be in your best interest. An experienced car accident attorney will know how to deal with the insurance companies and get you the compensation you deserve.
This post discusses how a car accident attorney can help you find the justice you deserve. Read on to learn more.
1. Collect and Preserve Evidence
If you’ve been involved in a car accident, collecting as much evidence as possible is essential. This may include taking photos of the damage to your vehicle, getting the contact information for any witnesses, and keeping any medical records or bills related to your injuries.
An experienced car accident attorney will know how to collect and preserve this evidence so that it can be used to support your claim.
2. Investigate the Accident
In many cases, an experienced car accident attorney will hire a team of investigators to help gather evidence. This may involve interviewing witnesses, reviewing surveillance footage, and analyzing the accident scene.
The goal is to collect as much information as possible so your attorney can build a strong case on your behalf.
Remember that there may be strong contention on who was at fault in the accident. An experienced car accident attorney will be able to investigate the accident and determine who was really at fault.
They may even call upon accident reconstruction experts to help recreate the events leading up to the accident. This can help prove your case and get you the compensation you deserve.
3. Explain Settlement Options
Your lawyer will work with you to help you understand your settlement options. In many cases, the insurance company will try to lowball you and offer you a settlement that is much less than you deserve.
Your car accident lawyer will review the evidence and help you determine what your case is really worth. They will then negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf to get you the best possible settlement.
If the insurance company is unwilling to budge, your lawyer may even recommend taking them to court. In either case, they will be by your side every step to ensure you get the justice you deserve.
4. Negotiate With Insurance Companies
After an accident, you will likely deal with one or more insurance companies. The sad truth is that dealing with insurance companies after a car accident can be a frustrating and time-consuming process.
In many cases, these insurance adjusters will try to lowball you and give you a settlement far less than you deserve. This is where an experienced car accident attorney can be extremely helpful.
Your attorney will know how to negotiate with the insurance companies and get you the maximum amount of compensation possible. They will also deal with the paperwork and red tape so that you can focus on your recovery.
Since most attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, you will only have to pay your attorney if they can get you a settlement or award. This means that hiring an attorney is almost always a risk-free proposition.
5. Take Your Case to Court
If the insurance companies are unwilling to offer you a fair settlement, your car accident attorney may recommend taking your case to court. This is usually a last resort, but it may be the only way to get you the compensation you deserve.
An experienced car accident attorney will know how to build a strong case and present it in court. They will also know how to deal with the opposition and cross-examine witnesses.
This can give you a much better chance of winning your case and getting the compensation you deserve.
6. Get the Compensation You Deserve
At the end of the day, the goal of your car accident attorney is to get you the compensation you deserve. This may include money for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Your attorney will do everything possible to ensure you get the maximum amount of compensation possible. In many cases, this will mean taking your case to court and fighting for you every step.
Summary
If you’ve been involved in a car accident, it’s essential to understand your rights and options. They will know how to deal with the insurance companies and get you the compensation you deserve.