The aftermath of an accident can have devastating effects on an individual and their loved ones. Some of these effects include serious injuries, severe car damages, and sometimes financial losses. However, most car accident victims still wonder if hiring a lawyer after a car accident is worth it. Well, the answer is yes.
With the rate of accidents increasing, it’s essential to have help from resources like https://localaccidentreports.com/ and your lawyer. The right resources make it easier for accident victims to receive legal advice and follow the appropriate steps after a car accident. As you focus on recovery, your lawyer will help in the following ways.
Gathering Evidence
Having good evidence makes a tremendous difference in the outcome of your car accident case. Evidence comes in handy, especially when you finally decide to file a lawsuit or insurance claim after a car accident. However, the process of gathering the relevant evidence can be stressful and time-consuming, especially if your body is still healing.
Rather than taking on the evidence-gathering process yourself, your lawyer can help handle everything for you. Some of the evidence they gather on your behalf includes:
- Photos of your injuries
- Photos of the devastating effects of the accident, including the condition of the road and cars involved
- Video surveillance of the accident, if available
- Police reports
- Medical records from the doctor who treated you after the car collision
- Witness testimonies
Your lawyer can also go a step further to learn more about the driver-at-fault.
Establishing Liability for the Car Accident
Using the evidence your lawyer acquires, they can help you determine the person liable for your losses and injuries. Upon establishing liability, your car accident attorney can help you file a complaint with the court or a claim with the insurance company. For an insurance claim, the negligent driver’s insurance company first reviews the case.
After reviewing the case, the insurance company then calculates the settlement to reward the victim. However, that outcome is not always the case. Meanwhile, for complaints filed in a court, the other party must respond as soon as possible. But, depending on their response, your case may proceed to trial.
Negotiate with Insurance Companies
Not all insurance companies are willing to pay for the liability of their clients. And, with this reluctant nature, it can be challenging to obtain the best possible outcome. But with a lawyer by your side, negotiating a settlement with an insurance company gets easier. Your attorney will work hard to ensure that your best interest is met with every negotiation.
Your lawyer also reviews each of your losses and injuries and comes up with an appropriate value. And, with that value, your lawyer can ensure that you get a settlement that covers your economic and non-economic damages.
Providing Representation
Although most car accident claims are often settled out of court, some do go to trial. The reason for this is that this might be the only way for you to receive adequate compensation. While it’s possible to represent yourself in court, it still makes you vulnerable. You could end up losing your case on procedural or technical grounds.
Offer Legal Advice
Another significant benefit of hiring a car accident attorney is that they can advise you on important legal issues concerning your case. Your lawyer understands the state laws, and with their knowledge and expertise, it becomes easier to file your claim without missing a deadline. Other than helping you file your case, your attorney can also give you peace of mind.
Your lawyer works for your best interests every step of the way. And, by having someone walk with you the entire step of the way, your stress levels reduce significantly.
Calculate Your Damages
Lastly, a lawyer can help you calculate all the damages and costs accrued from the accident. They know how to account for all the economic and non-economic damages the car accident may have cost you. By calculating all your damages, your lawyer ensures you don’t have to pay for anything out of your pocket, especially if the accident wasn’t your fault.
Remember, the entire goal of hiring a car accident attorney is to ensure you get the best possible outcome. Rather than using your entire savings to pay for the accident damages, having a lawyer can ensure that you don’t have to dig deeper into your pocket. So, if you decide to hire an attorney to help with your car accident, ensure that they offer services that pertain to collision and accident.
