A Guide on When and How to Hire an Attorney After a Car Accident
About 4.5 million people were seriously injured in car accidents last year. If you happen to be a part of this statistic this year, you may want to consider hiring an attorney.
Knowing when and how to hire an attorney can protect you. Your attorney will ensure that you ask for total compensation, negotiate with the insurance company, and look out for your best interests.
Keep reading to learn how to know you need an attorney.
Table of Contents
The Insurance Company Is Not Your Friend
You’re entitled to compensation for the damages you incur. This includes both your vehicle and medical costs. We all like to think that insurance companies are there to protect us with our best interest in mind.
However, this is not the case. The insurance company’s priority is their own business and budget.
Look for an insurance claims attorney who has experience negotiating with insurance companies.
Know What You’re Entitled to
Do you know all of the damages that you have a right to ask for? You can recover medical expenses, property damage, and even lost wages. Then in some states, you can also ask for damages for pain and suffering.
Hire an attorney to ensure that you ask for all of the damages that you’re entitled to.
The Accident Is Complicated
If you experience severe injuries or there are multiple parties, then you’ll need an attorney. Cases that involve these characteristics tend to be more complicated and take longer to resolve.
An attorney will ensure that you file against the correct party. They will also fight for your right to compensation for all of your damages.
Proving Liability
To collect, you need to prove liability. An attorney will know and understand the different elements of the law and how to provide acceptable proof for each.
Hiring an attorney will greatly increase your chances of successfully proving the different elements to establish liability.
Don’t Risk Financial Loss
If you don’t file your claim in time, you may miss the window for the statute of limitations. This means you lose your right to recover because you can’t file a claim.
Some states also have restrictions on when you need to seek medical treatment after the accident. For example, in Florida, you need to seek treatment within 10 days of the accident. Fail to seek treatment, and you will be barred from recovery.
Your attorney will ensure that you meet all of the deadlines. That way, you don’t accidentally end up costing yourself money by missing a key deadline.
Know How to Hire an Attorney
If you’ve just been injured in an accident, you need to know how to hire an attorney. That way, you have someone who is on your side looking out for your best interests.
Your attorney will walk you through the lawsuit process. They’ll help you determine what damages you can ask for compensation for. Then they’ll help you review the insurance company’s settlement offer and negotiate for the best possible outcome.
Search our inventory of lawyers to find the right one for your needs.
