Approximately 38,000 people die in car accidents in the US every year, and tens of thousands more are injured. If you suffer injuries in a car accident, you may wonder if you should hire an attorney. In many cases, it is advantageous to hire a personal injury lawyer to represent you to obtain compensation for your injuries.
Many law firms, including Adam Smith Law, want you to know some of the essential reasons you may need to have an attorney in your corner if you have serious accident injuries.
#1 Free Consultations
One of the best parts of hiring an expert team of accident and injury attorneys is you can decide not to after the initial consultation. The attorney will go over your claim and determine if you have a viable claim. If they do not think you can win the case or obtain enough compensation, they will recommend that you not hire an attorney.
These consultations provide a valuable opportunity for victims to discuss the details of their case with a skilled and experienced attorney, who can evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of their claim and provide guidance on the best course of action. During the consultation, the car accident attorney must review the circumstances of the accident, gather important information about damages and injuries, and answer any questions the victim may have. By offering this service free of charge, car accident attorneys are able to help more people access the legal assistance they need to pursue fair compensation and justice after an accident.
However, if the case has merit, the attorney will offer their services and offer you many benefits to get the most money for your case.
#2 Investigate the Accident
Accident investigations are involved. However, it is essential because that is how your lawyer determines who is liable for your injuries. Experienced attorneys have the knowledge, skill, and resources to determine who caused your injuries and hold them accountable. If you are on the east coast of the USA you can find a good richmond personal injury lawyer.
#3 Find All Sources of Compensation
Many accident victims do not understand that there may be several avenues for compensation in a case. There could be more than one person liable for the accident. Also, there can be several insurance policies that you can tap for funds. To navigate these difficulties and maximize your compensation, it’s crucial to find out if you need a personal injury lawyer who can assess your case and provide legal guidance
#4 Document Damages
You know you have costs from your injuries, but you may not have organized records of them. Your personal injury lawyer will collect all the evidence of your damages, including property damage bills, medical costs, lost earnings, out of pocket costs, and more. This step helps you know how much compensation you may be entitled to, which your attorney will put in the demand letter.
#5 Consult with Experts
Experienced personal injury attorneys have an extensive network of experts they use in car accident claims. Medical experts provide testimony on your injuries, and mental health experts can document your mental anguish. Highway safety authorities can talk about the road conditions that led to the accident.
#6 Handle Settlement Negotiations
No insurance company wants to pay a large claim if they can avoid it. The more they pay you, the lower their profits for their shareholders. Most insurance companies hope you do not hire an attorney and will offer you a low settlement.
But a skilled attorney knows how to negotiate with insurance companies. If necessary, they will threaten a lawsuit, which costs insurance companies much more than a fair settlement.
#7 Find Evidence
Your case hinges on the evidence that proves negligence on someone else’s part. Some evidence, such as skid marks on a highway, can disappear quickly. Car parts left at the crash scene also may be picked up by the state and disappear. Evidence is most useful when it is gathered right after a crash.
#8 Document Your Losses
You want compensation for all of your losses. Your attorney will help you keep careful records of every expense. These documents will be collected and used to calculate your damages.
#9 Handle the Insurance Company
You do not want to handle the other driver’s insurance company on your own. They will try to contact you and get a statement to try to use against you to discount your claim. Your attorney will represent you and handle all communications with the insurance company.
