Personal injuries sustained in an auto accident have the potential to impact one's life profoundly. In general, the severity of the injury often correlates with the complexity of the case, making it essential to consider the advantages of hiring a car accident or personal injury attorney.
Hiring a car accident attorney comes with undeniable benefits. An experienced attorney possesses a deep understanding of the legal process and offers an informed perspective on the most effective route to a resolution. Contacting a lawyer does not always mean there will be a lawsuit. In fact, more often than not, we reach an agreement with the insurance company or other party, and no one ever sees the inside of a courtroom.
Below, we present six reasons why enlisting the services of a car accident attorney is a prudent course of action.
1. You Have Suffered Injuries
Serious injuries are frequently the outcome of motor vehicle accidents, particularly those involving high speeds. When you have sustained an injury, a car accident attorney becomes an invaluable asset to maximize your injury claim or lawsuit in pursuit of rightful compensation for damages.
If your accident has left you grappling with any of the following conditions, we strongly recommend seeking professional legal representation:
- Permanent Disability
- Temporary Disability
- Pain and Suffering
- Severe Injuries
2. Liability Remains Unclear
When the responsible party for an accident is uncertain, contacting an attorney is advisable. In such instances, you bear the responsibility of proving your innocence. This necessitates collecting, organizing, and utilizing an array of evidence that establishes the negligence of another party.
For example, in a car accident scenario, evidence may include police records, accident photographs, the official accident report, medical records, and eyewitness testimonies. If you believe someone else's carelessness caused your injuries, it's your job to prove that they are to blame. Even if you share some degree of fault for the accident, seeking legal counsel is still a wise choice.
3. Assistance with Insurance Company Negotiations
Insurance adjusters are notoriously challenging to negotiate with. As an injury victim, your objective is to secure maximum compensation for your injuries. Whether you are contending with medical bills, property damage, loss of wages, or pain and suffering that entail substantial financial resources, it is your prerogative to do everything within your means to obtain the most equitable compensation possible.
It is crucial to recognize that an insurance adjuster's definition of a "fair settlement" rarely aligns with your own. Attempting to negotiate with an insurance adjuster independently often places you at a disadvantage, as they possess legal knowledge and tactics to convince you that a subpar offer is in your best interest. An experienced car accident attorney will intervene, managing interactions with the insurance company on your behalf and offering effective negotiation strategies to ensure the true value of your case.
4. Legal Representation Typically Leads to Larger Settlements
As previously stated, claimants acting on their own frequently fall short of securing the optimal outcome for their case in terms of compensation due to a lack of negotiation expertise. Conversely, claimants who enlist the services of a personal injury attorney tend to achieve larger settlements overall.
According to a report from the Insurance Research Council, settlements were 40% higher when claimants had legal representation. This disparity highlights the value of legal expertise in navigating the complexities of personal injury cases.
5. No Upfront Costs – We Operate on Contingency
Concerns about the cost of hiring an attorney are common, given that legal professionals often have higher hourly rates than average occupations. However, the majority of personal injury attorneys in the country operate on a contingency fee basis. Under this arrangement, you do not pay any upfront costs. Instead, you only pay if we win your case, and the fee is then taken out of your settlement, making the process easy. Many personal injury law firms, like Chandler Law, offer free case evaluations with no obligation.
6. An Attorney Can Advocate for You in Court
Should the settlement offer prove insufficient or if the opposing party refuses to settle, an attorney can file a motion to take your case to court. Representing oneself in a court of law can be an intimidating prospect, and legal expertise becomes indispensable in such situations.
If you find yourself in a situation asking, “Should I get a personal injury attorney?” or “Is it worth hiring a car accident lawyer?” We recommend always contacting an attorney, and it is free to talk through the options. Prioritizing your recovery after an accident should come first; we will handle the battle over fair compensation.
Schedule a free case evaluation with a Fresno car accident attorney at Chandler Law by contacting us at (559) 825-2318. Hablamos español.