If you’re reading this article, it’s probably because you were in a car accident that wasn’t your fault. You might be asking yourself: “Is it necessary to hire a lawyer if the accident was my responsibility?” If you are asking this question, it is likely because you are aware of the negative connotations attached to lawyers.
The last thing most people want when they have just been through a traumatic ordeal is to spend even more time dealing with lawyers and their red tape. However, hiring an attorney could not only save you time and money in the long run but also help you receive fair compensation for your injuries. Here is why.
You May Need a Lawyer if the Accident Was Your Fault.
Even if you are certain that the accident was not your fault, you may need a lawyer. If the other driver was at fault, it would be his responsibility to pay you for your damages.
However, what happens if he doesn’t have enough insurance to cover the amount you are entitled to?
You might find yourself stuck with the cost of your recovery out of pocket. It is important to note that insurers have the right to raise your premiums or even drop you as a client if you have too many accidents on your record, so you could even lose your coverage entirely.
A good lawyer is aware of all the laws and regulations in your state that pertain to accident claims. This means they will know exactly how much your injuries are worth and can negotiate a settlement on your behalf. Hiring a lawyer also increases your chances of receiving a fair settlement. Insurers have a financial incentive to offer lowball offers, even when the accident was not the driver’s fault. A good attorney will ensure you don’t settle for a reduced payout.
No-Fault Car Insurance
Some states have no-fault car insurance, which means every driver is required to purchase a certain amount of coverage. No-fault car insurance policies mean that you pay for your medical bills out of pocket but receive a reduced amount of compensation. The purpose of this system is to cut down on litigation and reduce the amount of time people spend in court.
Unfortunately, this also means that people with minor injuries receive very little compensation for their time off work and medical bills. A good lawyer will not only fight to increase your compensation but will also help you avoid having to pay for your medical care out of pocket. If your state has no-fault insurance, hiring a lawyer is imperative.
How Much Are Your Injuries Worth?
Many factors affect how much your injuries are worth. The amount of pain you are in, how long you are expected to be out of work, and the severity of your injuries will all affect how much your claim is worth. The amount of coverage that is in the other driver’s insurance policy will also affect how much you can expect to receive. The more comprehensive your policy is, the more you will be entitled to it.
Certain factors, such as if you have a disability, have a lasting impact on your life. People who sustain serious or permanent injuries in a car accident will find that their lives are forever altered. They might be unable to work, and they may require extensive medical care.
Most people will not have the funds to pay for such extensive treatment out of pocket, so they will have to file an insurance claim. This is where lawyers come in. They will negotiate a settlement on your behalf in exchange for a percentage of the settlement. By hiring a lawyer, you are entitled to the full amount of your claim.
Why Hiring a Lawyer is Important Even When the Accident Is Your Fault
Even if you are certain that you are the victim, you should still hire a lawyer. Insurance adjusters and other people who will be involved in the negotiation process will be armed with lawyers. You are at a disadvantage if you approach the process without legal representation.
A good lawyer will also know how to get the most out of your claim. Some people are tempted to settle for a small amount as soon as an offer is made. This may be a mistake. By taking your time and thoroughly considering the offer, you could end up getting a larger settlement.
There are many reasons why you should hire a lawyer, even if the accident was your fault. They know the law, have experience negotiating with insurers, and will help you get the most out of your claim. Regardless of who was responsible for the accident, you will benefit from the advice and guidance of an experienced attorney.
What to Avoid as a Personal Injury Defendant
DON’T leave the scene of the accident. Stay at the scene until you have exchanged information with the other party, or the police allow you to leave.
DON’T move your vehicle. If a vehicle is involved, only move it if it is creating a safety hazard or you are required to do so by law.
DON’T throw away or hide any evidence. Anything that may be relevant to the accident or injury must be preserved.
DON’T discuss the accident with anyone. After the accident, do not discuss the details with anyone, including the other party’s attorney and any insurance company representative (including your own!). Do not apologize to the other party, since this might be construed as evidence of fault. If you have an attorney, don’t speak with an insurance company representative—either yours or that of the other party. Let the attorney handle it. If you don’t have an attorney, be very careful what you say. Get tips for the first call with an insurance adjuster after an accident.
Conclusion
There are many reasons why you should hire a lawyer, even if the accident was your fault. A good lawyer will know how to get the most out of your claim and will fight to get you the compensation you deserve. If you need a car accident attorney, you can use this article as a guide to finding one.
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