Insurance companies often aim to pay the least possible amount that they can in a settlement. The best way to get ahead of the insurance company is to get a lawyer who understands the dynamics of car accident and injury cases. Getting compensation for injuries in a car crash is hard, especially when one is self-representing against an insurance company.
Some situations are clear and straightforward and insurance companies may be forced to pay op with minimal disturbance, while others may require professional help for a person to prove their claim is worth paying. In the case of small accidents, with no severe damage to self or vehicle, the services of an attorney may not be necessary. However, it’s important to not overlook anything.
When do you need to hire a car accident and injury attorney?
Examples of instances that require an attorney be enlisted promptly are:
Fault is not established
In instances where the police report does not indicate explicitly who was at fault, it is wise to lawyer up. Fault in the police report dictates who should pay for the damages. Getting a car accident lawyer is important at this stage to help one through the process of establishing fault.
Serious damages to vehicle and self
When the accident is not your fault, the insurance company of the other driver is expected to cover the repair and medical costs among others. Getting an attorney is essential to make sure that the negotiations are handled within the legal provisions and the deal reached is fair.
Insurance company isn’t complying
Insurance companies try to avoid compensating if the can. Getting an attorney gives one the advantage of achieving maximum recovery of funds spent after the accident.
Compensation given is not enough
In most cases, the amount compensated by an insurance company may not be enough to cover the related costs of the accident. Getting a lawyer to re-negotiate or file a lawsuit becomes necessary at that point. The issues and experiences discussed above are prevalent in car accident and injury cases but they are not the only ones. It is vital for one to get legal advice from an expert to ensure that their compensation is substantial and legitimate.
The benefits of getting a lawyer
Representation with the involved parties on your behalf
Having an attorney allows one the comfort of not having to interact with the other parties involved. The attorney will take up communication with the insurance company making the transactions professional and efficient. The duties of the attorney include; negotiating with the insurance adjuster, handle details of the claim, preparing statements both written and oral, presenting your interests, and fighting for the compensation that you deserve. It is also the attorney’s responsibility to have the client’s best interests at heart.
Prove liability for injuries sustained
The most complicated part of a car accident and injury lawsuit is proving that the actions of the other party caused the injuries sustained. An injury attorney with relevant knowledge and experience is able to look through the various documents available and provide evidence supporting your claim. Interviewing witnesses, gathering medical records, getting the accident report, reconstructing the accident (if necessary), and consulting experts to validate the severity of the injuries is among the procedures that an accident and injury attorney will undertake in a bid to build a strong case for compensation.
Determine the value of the damages and injury sustained
Having an attorney who understands auto accidents claims is important to ensure that the value paid in is equivalent to the damage and loss encountered. Both past losses and those anticipated to come about in the future should be included in the claim. Skilled attorneys in car and injury cases are better suited to determine how much an individual should claim.
Negotiating the settlement
It’s the responsibility of an injury attorney to negotiate the settlement deal with the other parties involved. Having an attorney discuss the terms of the settlement helps ensure that all the related areas are covered.
Explain the legal framework of the claim
It’s also the duty of an attorney to get into details about the laws and regulations that apply to one’s claim. This is a vital aspect that cannot be left out because insurance companies work under the provision of certain laws. Making sure that one is on the right side of the law is paramount to minimize chances of not getting paid or getting sued in the future.
As always, before you decide on anything, make sure to ask around whether hiring a lawyer for your car accident case is necessary. Make a well-informed decision, and don’t rush things.