5 Reasons to Hire a Car Accident Attorney
If you were involved in an accident that someone else caused, you may be entitled to compensation for any injuries and losses that result. In this scenario, your first call should be to a personal injury lawyer who can explain your rights and help you fight for the highest financial recovery possible.
It doesn’t matter how many episodes of Law & Order you’ve watched; there’s no substitute for the experience and knowledge of a lawyer who specializes in tort claims. Below we have outlined a few specific reasons to hire a personal injury attorney if you intend to bring a claim:
Personal Injury Lawyers Know the Law
Accidents and injuries that are the result of someone else’s carelessness are the primary focus of personal injury lawyers. Car accidents, workplace accidents, truck accidents, wrongful death, and slip & fall injuries can happen at any moment, but it takes many years of legal study to gain the knowledge needed to navigate tort proceedings. Local car accident attorneys will have a refined knowledge of the statutes and case law that pertain to your situation.
An attorney can help you determine whether you have grounds for a claim and how best to proceed. They will then be able to help you avoid critical mistakes, prevent delays and possibly reach a satisfactory settlement without the stress of unnecessary litigation. All of these benefits are made possible by their in-depth knowledge of the law and their experience in tort cases.
It’s Possible to Save Both Time and Money by Hiring a Lawyer
If you’re thinking about representing yourself, bear in mind that one mistake could be enough to delay the proceedings or reduce your financial recovery. It is very common for people who represent themselves to make inadvertent errors that compromise their case. Overlooking evidence, failing to file the necessary paperwork, ignoring doctor’s orders and posting about the case on social media are just a few of the many mistakes that could jeopardize your case.
Maximize Your Claim’s Worth
Depending on the circumstances, it may be possible to obtain economic, non-economic and punitive damages. The types of damages recoverable in your case and their extent will depend on the situation.
A personal injury lawyer can make sure your claim accounts for all recoverable damages. You may already know that you can pursue medical bills and lost income, but what about future medical costs and non-economic damages? Did the person who caused your injury act with particularly egregious conduct? If so, you may also be entitled to punitive damages.
The last thing you want to do is accept a settlement only to find out later that you left tens of thousands of dollars or more on the table. You cannot expect the insurance company to have your best interests in mind when assessing the value of your claim. An attorney can help you account for all damages and take a strategic approach to settlement negotiations. Also, simply having a lawyer by your side indicates that if the opposing party is uncooperative, you have the means to file a lawsuit and proceed to litigation.
A Proficient Lawyer Is Able to Take Your Case to Court
Should it become necessary to file a lawsuit, you’re going to want an attorney to help you navigate the legal system. Litigation is incredibly complicated, and the opposing party may take advantage of your lack of legal experience.
Reduce Stress
After an accident, you and your family will likely be facing a tremendous amount of adversity. Financial insecurity, serious injuries and emotional trauma can take their toll. Injury lawyers can place the burden of the claims process on their shoulders so you can focus on what matters most–your health and your family.