Getting into a car accident is always a stressful experience, no matter how major or minor the collision, especially if that accident wasn’t your fault. Not only do you have to deal with damage to your vehicle, but you could also suffer from serious physical injuries.
With all the pain and financial hardship you face after a wreck, you may find yourself with a critical question: Is it worth getting a lawyer after a car accident? The answer is a resounding yes. With an experienced personal injury attorney on your side, you can obtain compensation.
Benefits a Car Accident Lawyer Can Provide
Lawyers do more than just fight for your case. When you hire a car accident lawyer, they can:
- Help you organize and gather evidence pertaining to your car accident.
- Help you obtain a copy of your police report and any relevant medical records as evidence.
- Help you build a strong case to use against the defense and the insurance company.
- Handle all your communications with other parties to ensure you don’t incriminate yourself accidentally.
- Provide you with key resources and answers to all your legal questions in a timely manner.
If an insurance adjuster tries to convince you that legal representation isn’t worth getting, don’t listen to them. They’re trying to get you to accept less than the average settlement by preventing you from getting the legal assistance you need to win a fair settlement.
Don’t Let the Insurance Company Lowball You
After a car accident that wasn’t your fault, you’ll likely need to file an insurance claim with the other driver’s insurance company to recover any money owed for your losses. Unfortunately, this process is rarely straightforward and often requires help from an experienced personal injury attorney.
This is because insurance companies are known for using sneaky tricks and tactics to pay people much less than they deserve. After a car accident, one of the most important things to remember is the insurance company’s primary goal: to make a profit. They’ll try to do this by withholding as much money for your claim as they can get away with.
Regardless of the details of your accident and how badly you were hurt, it’s a safe bet that the other driver’s insurance company will not be looking out for your best interests. Without a lawyer by your side, the insurance adjusters will likely make you a lowball offer and do everything they can to take advantage of you in this difficult time.
A Car Accident Lawyer Can Help You Obtain Compensation
It’s worth it to have a reputable car accident attorney on your side because they will know how to calculate damages. Whether you end up getting a settlement or your case goes to trial, you can expect your lawyer to help you get compensation to cover:
- Property damage
- Current and future medical costs
- Physical therapy and mobility devices
- Disability and disfigurement
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages and future loss of income
- Household assistance
Depending on your individual claim and the extent of your injuries, you could receive compensation for other various expenses as well. Your personal injury attorney can evaluate your case thoroughly and put a value on your damages.
Proving Fault Can Be More Difficult Than it Seems
To receive compensation for your losses after a car accident, you must be able to prove the other driver acted negligently or carelessly. You also have to demonstrate their negligence or irresponsible actions directly resulted in your accident and that this accident was the direct cause of your injuries and losses.
The tricky thing is, proving fault isn’t always 100% straightforward. What if you were involved in an accident in which you were partly at fault? What if you got into a car accident in a no-fault state? The law isn’t always clear, and it can be confusing to know where to even begin with your claim.
Navigating this process can be difficult. In these situations, having a lawyer who knows how to successfully prove fault and build a case on your behalf can make all the difference in your case.
Can I Afford to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?
Many people involved in car accidents hesitate to contact an attorney because they worry about paying one. They’re already dealing with the financial fallout of the accident. And if they have to pay for a lawyer, they fear that their financial burdens will only increase. However, it’s worth it to hire a lawyer after your car accident.
The truth is that you can afford a quality car accident attorney after an accident. Most personal injury law firms operate on a contingency-fee basis. This means that you don’t have to pay anything upfront, and you won’t owe a dime unless they win your case for you and put money in your pocket first.
Don’t Wait Too Long to Get Help
Many people mistakenly believe that they have all the time in the world to file a claim. But most states only allow for two years from the date of your car accident to file. If you try to file past the statute of limitations, you won’t be able to, and you’ll have to cover all your damages on your own. You don’t want to miss the deadline.
Even a simple broken bone can cost thousands of dollars in damages with or without insurance. When looking at the economic well-being of most U.S. households, most people cannot afford an unexpected expense of $400 or more. Don’t find yourself in a situation where you need to pay out of pocket for the negligence of others.