Pablo Luna
Millions of car accidents happen every year in the United States. While no one wants to be involved in one, chances are that you will get in at least one accident in your lifetime. Fortunately, most of these accidents are minor and they do not result in significant financial losses or bodily harm. If you have been in an accident, you need the help of a qualified attorney. Here are a few reasons to contact a lawyer regardless of how you may feel after an accident.
1. Understanding the Potential Damages
Hiring an attorney will help you learn about all your potential damages. Knowing the best ways to handle an accident is great but it isn’t enough. You need a professional to help you understand your rights as well. A good lawyer will assess the extent of your damages to determine what fair compensation would entail. In most cases, your compensation will include medical expenses, pain and suffering, and property damage. If you were incapacitated during an accident, your lawyer may help you pursue compensation for lost income. Your family may also receive compensation for loss of companionship.
A good car accident attorney will understand your mental distress and physical injuries. They will give you an estimated value of your injuries. When trying to get the estimates yourself, it is easy to aim too low or too high. You can injure your chances of getting the compensation you deserve.
2. Deep Understanding of the Law
Lawyers have an in-depth knowledge of the law. They can use this knowledge to your advantage. In most cases, you may not have enough legal knowledge about your situation. The professionals behind https://www.stllawhelp.com/personal-injury/car-accident explain that the law is complicated and even the slightest mistakes can translate into losses on your part. Your attorney will establish the factors and laws that apply in your case. They help you understand how courts interpret different laws in different situations.
You do not need to waste a lot of your time or effort researching and trying to understand the local laws. If you choose to sue, you will need to deal with a lot of paperwork. Having a lawyer can make the process less tedious. They will help you understand what evidence is considered admissible, how to format, what to file, and more.
3. Injuries and Damages May Not be Apparent
While some injuries and damages are clear right after an accident, others may require more effort to identify. Therefore, you need an attorney even if you do not think that your accident was severe. Your lawyer will start their investigations right after the accident. Feeling OK or having a car that looks fine after an accident does not necessarily mean that you shouldn’t hire an attorney.
Whiplash and other injuries aren’t apparent right after a car accident. The symptoms may start manifesting days or weeks later. Damages to your car can also be difficult to spot. If you do not get the help of a lawyer, you may need to cover the cost of repairs.
4. Representation and Negotiation
You will need the help of a lawyer for court representation and insurance negotiation. Since insurance providers are trying to avoid losses, they may try to underpay you or deny your claim. Lawyers understand the evidence you need and the type of information that could make your case stronger.
If your claim is denied, an attorney will help you appeal and pursue the compensation you need. Insurance providers may try offering you a settlement to do away with your claim. If you do not have legal representation, they will try to pay as little and as quickly as possible.
Car accident attorneys know when an offer is too low. They know how to negotiate for fair pay. If you choose to take on the process without help, you may have trouble filling and proving your case.
5. Avoiding Financial Loss
If you fail to get a lawyer and file your claim on time, you are likely to incur financial losses. If you miss the statute of limitations, fail to address the relevant defendant, or fail to gather evidence for your case, you are unlikely to get compensation after a car accident. If you lose your shot, you may not have another chance to sue.
In conclusion, seeking the help of an attorney after an accident is a good idea regardless of who was at fault. The right lawyer will help you understand your case and pursue the compensation you deserve. They will represent your interests and defend your rights throughout the entire process.
