Serious injuries and accidents happen all the time – between 20 and 50 million people are in accidents every year according to ASIRT. When an accident happens, you need an attorney’s help. Without one, insurance companies could get away with paying you less. You need to be financially compensated for your injuries and any damage caused. See how an attorney can get you exactly what you deserve.
Insurance Companies Won’t Fight for You
When you’ve been in a car accident, the driver who’s at fault is responsible – and so is their insurance. The at-fault driver’s insurance company is supposed to cover the costs of any damage to your car and any injuries you received.
However, there’s one big problem: the at-fault driver’s insurance doesn’t represent you. You aren’t their client, and they don’t want to pay you thousands of dollars if they can avoid it. So, when your claim is handled by the at-fault driver’s insurance company, that company will determine what they think you’re owed and what value your injuries and property damage carry.
Often, that value is far lower than your actual costs. As NOLO writes, the insurance company will ask for statements, medical verification, and other proof to verify your claims in order to try to settle without legal action. NOLO also points out that, because the at-fault driver’s insurance doesn’t work for you, they’ll work hard to limit your compensation and try to limit their client’s responsibility.
That’s why you need someone who can stand up to these insurance demands and tricks to get you fully compensated. An attorney you’ve hired works solely for you – and they will help you build your case with as much evidence as possible and documentation of your costs and losses.
How an Attorney Can Benefit You
Trying to handle a claim on your own, especially a car accident claim, is stressful and difficult. And you likely won’t get as much as you’re due if you try to manage the claim on your own with your limited knowledge of accident law.
Attorneys who specialize in accidents and injuries know all of the details of the law and legal procedures in these kinds of cases. Even more importantly, an attorney knows what kind of financial compensation you can get based on the accident type, the injuries you sustained, and your medical costs and expenses. Attorneys are experienced in dealing and negotiating with insurance companies, so they’re more likely to score you a bigger settlement.
Above all else, an attorney is someone who can take your legal case and fight on your behalf. However, there are plenty of other benefits when you hire an attorney, including:
- Knowing how much your claim is worth. Attorneys know the subtleties and details of each injury and case, meaning they can assign a value to every detail from pain and suffering to property loss.
- A full understanding of the legal process. An attorney specializes in litigation, meaning they know every detail about filing, statutes, limitations, and more.
- Increased odds of winning. While the insurance company has the upper hand, an experienced attorney will know exactly how to fight your case, giving you higher odds of winning and settling for full compensation. Just be careful that you select an attorney that is willing to go to court because, despite what many people may think, most “trial lawyers” and/or “personal injury lawyers” have little to no experience going to trial.
- Your attorney only gets paid if you do. Personal injury, or car accident, lawyers only make money and charge you fees if you get an insurance settlement. This means they’re working for free unless you win.
Don’t try to fight for yourself when you’re up against so many odds and confusing details. Let an attorney win your case for you, increasing your compensation and improving the odds that you’re paid what you’re owed.
Find the Right Attorney for Your Case
To fight your case and earn the compensation you deserve, you need to search for an attorney now. Search online for local attorneys in your area who are experienced in your injury and case type. An online search will give you all of the information you need to assess attorneys and make a decision. To supplement your online search, make sure to take up the free consultations that many attorneys offer to get exact estimates on the cost. All of this will let you compare prices, read reviews from past clients, vet different lawyers’ experience levels, see if they belong to any organizations that specialize in representing injured people, and find an attorney who will fight for you successfully. The right attorney can win your case and leave you better off than before.
Like anything, it’s always a good idea to be aware of the latest research. We recommend comparing at least 3 or 4 options before making a final decision. Doing a search online is typically the quickest, most thorough way to discover all the pros and cons you need to keep in mind.