If you’ve recently had a car accident, you’re probably under a lot of stress. From dealing with your injuries and medical bills to getting your insurance to negotiate a fair settlement, there’s probably a lot on your mind.
Having a lawyer by your side is vital to help you navigate the post-accident claims process. Read reviews online or ask for references to find the best auto accident attorney to represent you. Here are six ways they can support you.
Analyze the Specifics of Your Case
Lawyers specializing in car accidents have extensive knowledge of the laws of the road. Their expertise can strengthen your case as they will gather supporting evidence to determine who was at fault for the accident. For instance, they’ll consider how fast the other driver was going and who had the right of way.
The more laws violated, the easier it will be to prove negligence. Your attorney could also help determine who is at fault if multiple parties were involved. For example, suppose it was a taxi company. In that case, they could investigate if their employee was intoxicated, if the business hired someone without a proper license, or if the company failed to maintain their vehicles.
Gather Evidence and Prove Negligence
Your lawyer will follow up with witnesses who saw the accident or obtain security footage from nearby cameras. They will also gather other documentation, such as medical reports. That can take a lot of time, so why not have an experienced lawyer do it for you?
Negotiate With Insurance Companies
Insurance companies can be a pain to deal with after an accident. After all, they might try to find ways to get out of paying what you are entitled to or at least drag their feet on reaching a settlement.
A lawyer can negotiate with the insurance company for you. When they see that you have legal representation, they will be much more motivated to reach a fair settlement, as they won’t want the hassle of dealing with an experienced attorney. If you negotiate with them alone, you could end up receiving less than what you deserve.
Help Calculate the Total Value of Your Claim
It can be daunting to calculate the total value of your claim yourself. Your medical bills will likely be your main expense, but you could receive additional compensation.
For example, you can get compensation for pain, suffering, and emotional damage. However, they are harder to calculate, as you can’t always put an exact price on such traumas.
Furthermore, you may be entitled to lost wages if you can’t work due to your injuries. Moreover, your injuries may force you to find a new job if you used to work in a field that required physical activity.
In such a case, you may get lower wages for the remainder of your working life. A lawyer can enlist the help of other experts to calculate how much your claim would be worth, as they must consider factors such as inflation.
Protect You From Debt Collectors
After an accident, debt collectors may come after you. The hospital may refer your unpaid bills to these collectors, who may send you letters, emails, and phone calls. A lawyer can send a cease and desist letter and get them to stop any activity that violates the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.
Represent You in a Court Case
In most cases, a lawyer can negotiate a fair settlement without going to court. However, more complex cases may end up going to court. In such a situation, you need an experienced attorney to represent you.
Conclusion
Having an attorney will give you peace of mind after a car accident. The sooner you enlist the help of a lawyer, the better. Most car accident lawyers work on a contingency basis, so you won’t have to pay any fee upfront, either.
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