Estimates suggest that the average person will file a claim over a car accident once every 17.9 years. Many of these accidents will be minor scrapes and minor fender benders, of course, but you may still find yourself in the midst of a more complex incident.
When that happens, it’s crucial that you find the right car accident lawyer to help with your case. While it’s tempting to think you might save money by navigating the aftermath on your own, the truth is that these experts are well worth their fees. In addition to better chances at compensation, here are a few key advantages to hiring a car accident attorney.
1. You’ll Know if Your Case Has Merit
Right off the bat, it’s important to know whether or not your case has merit. The best car accident lawyers will discuss this with you up front during your initial consultation. Based on the available evidence, they’ll be able to give you an idea of your chances of success, as well as how much compensation you should aim for.
2. You’ll Know When to Settle
If you’ve never dealt with the car accident settlement and compensation process before, it’s easy to be tempted by a seemingly fair offer. However, settling your claim too early can mean missing out on compensation you’ll need to pay future medical expenses and make up for lost wages. Insurance companies are experts at getting people to settle for lowball offers.
That’s where a reputable lawyer comes in. A car accident attorney with experience in cases like yours will understand when it’s time to settle, and when it’s time to push on for a higher offer. Their expertise can be invaluable in complex cases and drawn-out settlement proceedings.
3. You’ll Have Help Finding Evidence
To prove your case, you’ll need to provide the right evidence—which can be surprisingly difficult at times. This evidence may consist of things you’d expect, like the police report and photos of the accident scene, as well as documentation about hazardous road conditions.
However, your lawyer can also help you find further proof that another party is at fault. They may help you obtain medical records, security camera footage, and eyewitness testimony, for example. They may even be able to reach out to their network of expert witnesses or accident reconstruction experts as needed.
4. You Won’t Say the Wrong Thing
You might be surprised at how easy it is to say something that could hurt your claim. It’s important to watch your words when talking to the other party, your insurance company, and the police.
Even simple statements like “I’m sorry” can be taken as an admission of guilt, which is why it’s important to keep your mouth closed after an accident. Protecting yourself is easier if you follow these simple tips, but it’s always a good idea to seek out a lawyer who can help keep you from hurting your claim. Without a lawyer, the wrong statement could hurt your claim, allowing the insurance company to avoid offering compensation.
5. You’ll Have a Single Point of Contact
As we’ve established, you don’t want to say too much to the other parties involved in your settlement or legal case. However, a lawyer can help with this in one key way: they can act as a point of contact on your behalf.
Whether you have countless angry messages from the other driver involved in the accident, or whether you’re tired of dealing with your insurance company every day, you won’t have to do it alone. An attorney can act as a point of contact through which all communication must go, easing your stress and allowing you to focus on what matters.
6. You’ll Be Able to Go to Trial
While it’s possible to represent yourself in court, you may be hesitant to do so—and for good reason. Representing yourself makes it easy to make mistakes that can hurt your own case.
When you’re ready to start a car accident lawsuit, having an attorney on your side can make all the difference. An attorney can help you get the best possible outcome given the details of your case.
However, you may not realize that having an attorney during the settlement process is helpful as well. Having an attorney shows your insurance company that you’re serious and you’re prepared to go to trial. This may convince them to offer a fair settlement on the front end to avoid the expense of taking a case to trial.
7. You’ll Have an Objective, Experienced Partner
One of the most important benefits of having a personal injury attorney is also the simplest.
As you might expect, personal injury cases tend to make emotions run high. You’ll likely be worried, anxious, and angry with the other parties involved—which can sometimes mean you won’t be equipped to take emotion out of the picture when you make critical decisions.
A lawyer is there to act as a neutral advocate. They can help you weigh decisions in an objective way during this difficult time. With their wealth of knowledge and experience, they can help you understand the process ahead and make better-informed decisions as you move onward.
Find the Right Car Accident Lawyer
Whether you’re dealing with a fender bender or a totaled car, reaching out to a car accident lawyer is never a bad idea. A reputable attorney will offer a free consultation to help you understand whether their services can help, allowing you the chance to reap the benefits above. Don’t hesitate to do a quick search for a “car accident lawyer near me” when you’ve been in a crash: you never know when expert advice can make all the difference!
Want more of the helpful legal tips you need to know? Check out our other guides for more insights.
It’s great that you talked about how an auto accident lawyer with experience would understand when it’s time to settle, and when it’s time to push on for a higher offer. I was watching the news earlier while having breakfast and I saw an incident about a traffic accident. It seems to be quite a messy affair so I think having a lawyer to help you out is a must.