When to Hire a Car Accident Attorney

Preventable injury-related deaths increased in 2020. For example, there was an increase in non-restrained occupant deaths, alcohol-impaired fatal crashes, and speeding year-over-year. If you recently sustained car accident injuries, consider hiring a lawyer.

An experienced car accident attorney can help you fight for compensation. You won’t have to pay for losses out of your own pocket.

Not sure if you need a lawyer? Read on for the top signs you need to hire a car accident lawyer today!

For Help Filing an Insurance Claim

Immediately after sustaining car accident injuries, make sure to file your insurance claim. You can file the claim with either your own insurance provider or the other driver’s insurance company.

In some states, however, you’ll need to consider the comparative negligence laws. These laws indicate if you share a percentage of fault for the accident, that you’ll receive less compensation. The compensation you receive can vary based on your degree of fault for the accident.

In some cases, the other driver won’t have insurance coverage. Perhaps they carry a policy that doesn’t fairly cover your property damage or other losses.

You might have to cover the cost of your losses through your own policy.

Your car accident attorney can determine your losses. They’ll help you make an informed decision as you review the options available through your insurance policy. With their help, you can make a choice that maximizes your claim.

You might also struggle to negotiate with the insurance company. The other party’s insurance company won’t want to maximize your claim. Instead, they’ll want to pay you as little as possible.

In other instances, the insurance company will delay paying out your claim. If you’re even a little at fault, they might try to blame you for the accident. They might throw out your claim entirely.

You could make a costly mistake if you try to negotiate with an insurance company alone. Instead, hire a car accident lawyer. They can handle these negotiations on your behalf.

With their help, you can avoid saying anything that might impact your claim.

To File a Personal Injury Lawsuit

You should also hire an attorney if you plan on filing a personal injury lawsuit.

Remember, there are some cases where the other driver (or even your own policy) won’t cover the full extent of your losses. In these cases, you’ll have to pay for the remaining expenses out of your own pocket. Before that happens, talk to a personal injury lawyer about your options.

They might recommend you file a personal injury lawsuit.

It’s important not to file a lawsuit against a negligent driver on your own. Otherwise, you might make a costly mistake. For example, you might make a mistake with the paperwork or miss the statute of limitations.

A judge might not take you seriously if you try to represent yourself in court without the necessary experience.

Instead, let a car accident lawyer file your car accident lawsuit on your behalf. You can leverage their experience and expertise to ensure you don’t make these costly mistakes.

Talking to a lawyer will help you determine if you have the grounds for a lawsuit. For example, they can determine the other driver’s negligence caused the accident.

Leveraging their experience and expertise can give you peace of mind. You won’t have to handle the stress of filing a lawsuit alone.

Their help could ensure you maximize your car accident settlement, too.

To Determine Fault

Remember, you’ll need to prove the other driver’s negligence led to your car accident if you want to win your lawsuit. An experienced lawyer can gather the evidence necessary to prove the other driver was at fault.

For example, maybe the driver was operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Maybe they were texting and driving. Perhaps they didn’t obey the necessary traffic laws.

Maybe you need help understanding who is at fault in a rideshare accident. You can click here to learn more.

Your lawyer can prove the other driver breached their duty of care while on the road. For example, your lawyer might gather video evidence or have a witness discuss what happened.

With help, you can fight for the compensation you rightfully deserve.

If You Need Medical Treatment

Hire an attorney as soon as possible if you sustained car accident injuries.

Otherwise, your injuries could put you out of work while you heal. During that healing period, your lost wages and other expenses could begin to stack up. You’ll need to consider the cost of surgery, medications, and other forms of treatment.

Your car accident injuries might also impact your quality of life or mobility. You have to return to work at a diminished capacity.

If you sustained injuries, keep track of your medical records and expenses. Your lawyer will use this information to calculate the full extent of your losses. They’ll consider your recent and future medical expenses.

Understanding the full extent of your losses will ensure you make the most of your car accident settlement.

For Help Maximizing Your Claim

Your medical expenses are only a portion of your losses. You’ll also need to consider pain and suffering, property damage to your car, and your lost wages.

You might struggle to determine the full extent of your losses if you lack experience handling car accident cases. Instead, look for an attorney with years of experience handling similar cases. Ask them about the payout for those lawsuits.

Remember, understanding every loss you’ve endured, past and present, can help your attorney maximize your claim.

Hire a Car Accident Attorney to File Your Lawsuit Today

The next time you sustain car accident injuries, cover your bases. Consult a car accident attorney to discuss the situation. They can help you determine if you’re in a position to file a lawsuit.

With their help, you can make a more informed choice with your goals and best interests in mind.

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