After a car accident, especially when there are injuries and damage involved, wondering whether or not to hire a lawyer is probably one of the many questions you have on your mind. It’s important to make an informed choice, as issues like who is at fault, who will pay for those medical bills, and damage to your car are just some of the questions that are important to answer post-accident
As insurance companies have teams of highly skilled, experienced attorneys, they know how to use tricks against people who don’t have their own lawyer, something that’s important to take into consideration. If you’re going to have to battle against an insurance company, you’ll definitely want to have the best accident lawyers on your side.
Here’s a closer look at what to consider when determining if you need a lawyer.
You Don’t Have Knowledge of the Law
Without having knowledge of the relevant laws and procedural rules, you can often end up on the losing side of the stick. An experienced personal injury lawyer will have the necessary expertise and knowledge, and he or she can also advise you of any time limits that may apply in your state. For example, in many states, the lawsuit has to be filed within two years of the accident or it can’t be filed at all. Additionally, the attorney will file a lawsuit on your behalf and understand the best way to mitigate any potential defenses the other side might raise.
You Don’t Have the Time
If you have a busy life like so many people do or are suffering from injuries and are in the process of recovering, the last thing you want to have to do is deal with the piles of paperwork, numerous calls to the insurance company, and all the other time-consuming tasks involved after being in a car accident. A lawyer can do all of that for you so you can concentrate on healing and any other responsibilities you have. They have the experience when it comes to obtaining evidence to support your claim, such as witness statements, police reports, medical bills and records, lost wages, and other employment information.
You Want a Better Settlement
Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingent-fee basis, which means they will only get paid if your claim is successfully resolved. They have an incentive to handle everything involved, so they’ll work hard to ensure you get the best settlement possible. Oftentimes the threat of legal action provides the leverage needed to negotiate a fair settlement. If a lawsuit becomes necessary, when going up against the vast resources of an insurance company and its team of attorneys, having a lawyer working for you who has all the expertise, experience, and knowledge evens out the playing field.
You Want an Advocate at Your Side
One of the most important aspects of having an attorney is that they can be your advocate, acting on your behalf throughout the claims process, including the negotiations with the insurance company and in court if that becomes necessary. When you have questions, you’ll have a legal expert to turn to, and that person will also be your champion before other attorneys, a judge, and a jury. They’ll ensure to the best of their ability that you’ll be compensated for all losses, receiving the fairest resolution possible.