Attorney
After a car accident, the immediate concerns are often medical treatment, vehicle repairs, and dealing with insurance companies. Amid all this chaos, it’s easy to overlook an important step: hiring an attorney.
You may think you can handle things on your own, but having a lawyer on your side can make all the difference in getting the compensation you deserve. Here’s why calling an attorney should be one of your first moves after a car accident.
Understanding the Legal Process Can Be Complicated
Car accidents can create a whirlwind of legal processes, especially concerning personal injury claims. Understanding the legal jargon, filling out forms, and knowing which deadlines to meet can be overwhelming. An experienced attorney can guide you through the entire process and complete many steps, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
- Filing the claim–Many people think filing a claim is as simple as submitting a form, but there’s much more to it. A lawyer will ensure your claim is filed correctly and on time.
- Negotiating with insurance companies–Insurance companies are not on your side. They want to pay out as little as possible. An attorney can negotiate with them, pushing for a fair settlement. It is well known that people who hire attorneys get higher settlements than those who do not hire attorneys.
- Dealing with deadlines–There are time limits, known as statutes of limitations, that apply to filing a car accident claim. Missing one could prevent you from seeking compensation. An attorney will keep track of these deadlines for you.
Trying to navigate these legal waters on your own can be overwhelming. Hiring an attorney makes the process smoother and ensures you don’t miss any critical steps.
Insurance Companies Don’t Always Play Fair
Insurance companies are businesses, and like any business, their goal is to make a profit. Unfortunately, this often means offering lowball settlements that don’t fully cover your expenses. Without an attorney, you may be tempted to accept the first offer, thinking it’s the best you can get. But that’s rarely the case. Insurers are notorious for:
- Low settlements–The first offer you receive from the insurance company will likely be far less than you deserve.
- Tricky tactics–Insurance adjusters might ask you to make recorded statements or sign documents that could hurt your claim later.
- Unnecessary delays–They might drag out the process in hopes that you’ll settle for less just to get things over with.
An attorney knows how insurance companies operate and can push back against these tactics. They’ll fight to get you the full compensation you’re entitled to, not just what the insurance company is willing to offer.
Proving Liability Is Not Always Simple
Determining who is at fault can be complex and disputed in many car accidents. It’s not always clear-cut; without solid evidence, the other party’s insurance company might deny your claim. A skilled attorney is invaluable for:
- Gathering evidence–A lawyer can help collect crucial evidence, including police reports, witness statements, photos, and video footage.
- Hiring experts–In more complicated cases, attorneys often work with accident reconstruction experts to piece together what happened.
- Challenging fault–If the other driver or their insurance company tries to blame you for the accident, your attorney can challenge that and present the evidence in your favor.
By hiring an attorney, you can ensure that all the necessary evidence is collected and presented, increasing your chances of proving liability and securing the compensation you deserve.
Your Injuries May Be Worse Than You Think
After a car accident, you might feel okay initially, but injuries often take time to manifest fully. Some conditions, like whiplash or internal injuries, may not present symptoms right away. Without an attorney, you might settle your case before the true extent of your injuries is known.
A lawyer can recommend trusted doctors and ensure you get a complete medical evaluation to identify hidden injuries. Moreover, if your injuries require long-term care, rehabilitation, or time off work, you deserve compensation for those costs. An attorney will calculate these future expenses to include in your claim.
Settling too quickly can result in paying out of pocket for medical expenses down the line. An attorney will help ensure your compensation covers not only your immediate needs but also any future costs.
An Attorney Can Maximize Your Compensation
When you handle a car accident claim alone, you might not know how much your case is worth. There are many factors to consider beyond just medical bills and car repairs. Attorneys know how to calculate the total value of your claim, taking into account:
- Medical expenses–Past, current, and future medical costs, including hospital bills, physical therapy, and medications.
- Lost wages–Compensation for the time you’ve missed at work and any potential loss of future earning capacity if your injuries affect your ability to work.
- Pain and suffering–While it’s harder to put a dollar amount on, you deserve compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
An attorney will evaluate your case from all angles and fight to get you the maximum compensation you deserve.
Talk To A Lake County Car Accident Attorney Today
After a car accident, it’s easy to think you can handle things on your own. However, hiring an attorney can significantly improve your chances of getting the compensation you deserve. If you’ve been in a car accident, don’t wait. Contact Michael Kawi Law today for a free consultation.