Car accident attorneys can help you get the money you need to make a full financial and physical recovery. Their expertise can level the playing field against insurance companies that seek to devalue your injuries.
They can also pre-calculate compensation that accounts for future medical expenses and decreased earning ability. They are experienced negotiators who can take your case to trial if necessary.
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Dealing with Insurance Companies
A car accident attorney can help you get a higher settlement for your claim. This is especially important if the initial offer covers only some of your damages.
An experienced attorney knows the laws in your state that impact your case. Additionally, they are adept at negotiating with insurance providers. This can save you a lot of time and energy.
Many insurance adjusters put undue pressure on accident victims to provide statements and sign medical releases. They may even make you settle before you understand the full extent of your injuries and losses. An experienced car accident lawyer can act as a buffer between you and the insurance company to prevent this from happening. They can also negotiate more compensation for future medical costs and lost income.
Gathering Evidence
Taking pictures and collecting eyewitness names and phone numbers at the accident scene can help your attorney gather vital evidence to prove fault. Your lawyer will also request all medical records of your crash and obtain copies of any related lost wages. They will then estimate your economic damages, such as existing and projected future medical expenses, property damage, and lost wages. They will also assess your noneconomic damages, such as pain and suffering.
Your attorney will carefully review the available information to evaluate whether it makes sense to pursue a claim against the responsible party. They will also advise you of any statutes of limitations that could affect the amount of compensation you can receive. An experienced attorney is a pro at negotiating with insurance companies and can level the playing field against skilled attorneys on behalf of the at-fault party.
Negotiating a Settlement
Insurers are adept at lowering the value of your accident-related losses. This can include undervaluing your injuries, denying liability, or suggesting you are partially responsible for the crash. Attorneys for auto accidents have years of expertise negotiating with insurance companies.
They can prevent you from making costly mistakes during settlement negotiations. For example, they may suggest you accept a lower offer for your vehicle if it is totaled or a smaller amount to compensate you for losing your earning ability.
Your attorney will gather all relevant information and documents for maximum compensation for your claim. This includes medical bills, police reports, receipts for repairs to your car and property, and a letter stating the damages you seek.
Filing a Lawsuit
Even with an experienced car accident attorney on your side, sometimes reaching an agreement with the insurance company is impossible. In these cases, you must file a lawsuit for compensation.
Insurance companies use several tricks to reduce their payouts to car accident victims, such as questioning the seriousness of their injuries or lowering their settlement amounts. Your lawyer knows these tactics and how to counter them, so they can ensure you’re awarded a substantial amount that covers all your costs.
Additionally, your attorney will know important legal deadlines you may miss if you file independently. This can make or break your ability to get fair compensation for medical expenses, property damage, and mental distress.
Appealing a Denied Claim
Car accident attorneys understand how to gather and present evidence in a way that increases the chances of winning your case. They also know the tricks insurance companies use to discourage claimants and get them to settle for low amounts.
If your case is denied or you receive a low settlement offer, your lawyer will be ready to appeal the decision and fight for what you deserve in court. They can help you compile all the necessary support documents and file an appeal letter.
An attorney can also help you calculate your damages. They can determine whether or not special and general damages apply to your case, such as medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other costs related to the accident.
