Why You Should Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer If You Have Met With a Car Accident     

Personal Injury

Regardless of how safe a driver you are, you may be involved in an accident for no fault of yours. An accident by a rash or negligent driver may result in grievous physical, mental, and emotional injuries that can lead to severe fear, pain, inconvenience, and expense. It is important to remember, you are entitled to seek compensation from the insurance company of the at-fault driver. While you can file the complaint, negotiate with the insurance company, or even represent yourself at the trial if necessary, it is always better if you hire an experienced personal injury lawyer. Some of the main reasons why you should consider hiring an attorney:

No Drawbacks to Hiring a Lawyer

Many people hesitate to talk to lawyers under the impression that engaging them is an expensive affair and most good lawyers are unaffordable. The truth is the personal injury litigation space is extremely competitive, which is why almost all lawyers will agree to an initial consultation to know the facts of the case and whether there is any merit in trying to claim compensation. They will even offer you a ballpark figure of the potential compensation that will enable you to decide if you want to proceed further. You should also know that almost all lawyers take on auto accident personal injury lawsuits on a contingency basis. It means that you pay them only if you win out of the proceeds of the settlement or compensation the court awards you. According to Forbes, the contingency fee is typically 33% and maybe more if it goes to trial. The initial consultation can make you understand how the lawyer can assist you. You will also know if you are comfortable engaging him. However, you do not have to make any commitments.

Increase the Compensation

If you have been injured in a car accident, you may have to spend considerable money and time for the treatment. In case of severe injury, the time can be extended and may even for the rest of your life. You may need to make drastic changes to your lifestyle and not be able to work, resulting in lost income. If you file a lawsuit or enter into negotiations with the defendant’s insurance company, you may have your claim knocked out or forced to accept a small amount as the settlement. You should know that the lawyers on the other side are tough negotiators who will not hesitate to do anything and everything to save money from being paid out. A head-on collision auto accident attorney will be experienced in the tactics the insurance companies employ and will be able to negotiate a far higher settlement. If you fail to reach a fair settlement, an experienced lawyer will help you fight it out in a court of law. A personal accident lawyer will also be able to explain to you all the consequences of the accident and estimate what fair compensation would look like.

Avoid Legal Missteps 

Out-of-court settlements are the norm in car accident claims, which is why many people think the law is not relevant, and you only need to be a tough negotiator. However, if your claim is technically weak, it can result in the insurance company denying it or making you accept lower compensation. A weak case does not allow you to bargain hard because the insurance company knows that the court will not award a big amount. There are other legal technicalities and compliances required in addition to proving that the other driver was at fault and the expenses incurred by you were necessary. For example, the court will dismiss your claim if you do not file in the period allowed by the statute of limitations in your state. Deciding the state in which the lawsuit is to be filed is also a complicated affair. It depends on several factors, including the state in which the people involved are resident, the type of damage, and the place of the accident. Different states have different deadlines for filing claims and also different rules for deciding the amount of compensation. A personal injury lawyer will know these technicalities and improve the negotiating position and the claim amount.

Conclusion 

In the aftermath of the accident, you may be recovering from your injuries and dealing with the mental trauma, and it may not be possible for you to deal effectively with the paperwork and other documentation required for estimating the compensation amount and filing a claim. It is important to keep in mind that you will be up against experienced and tough lawyers who will think nothing of taking advantage of you to browbeat you into accepting a low settlement. By hiring a lawyer, you are better equipped to deal with the situation and navigate the numerous legal and administrative obstacles you will likely face in your attempt to obtain fair compensation. You should also know what to look for in a lawyer who can represent your best interests.