There were nearly 40,000 fatal car accidents in 2021 according to data from the CDC, and road traffic accidents are a leading cause of death for people aged 54 and under. Car crash death figures have improved over the years but the death rate is still too high.
After being involved in a car accident, you may initially downplay your injuries – typically impact or penetrating injuries – or the severity of the collision. However, even minor car accidents can result in long-term physical, emotional, and financial consequences. Having an experienced car accident lawyer on your side can make all the difference in obtaining fair compensation for your losses. Here are four key reasons why hiring a car accident lawyer is in your best interests:
1. Determine Liability and Eligibility for Compensation
The first thing a car accident lawyer will do is conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision to establish liability and fault. Police reports may have inaccuracies or fail to tell the whole story, but an attorney will leave no stone unturned in gathering all relevant evidence, interviewing eyewitnesses, analyzing skid marks and debris, reviewing surveillance footage, etc. They use this evidence to build a convincing case regarding who acted negligently and violated traffic laws or ordinances, resulting in the car wreck. This process also uncovers other potentially liable parties, such as a faulty automotive manufacturer.
2. Deal with Insurance Companies
Insurance carriers have teams of claims adjusters and defense lawyers whose aim is to minimize settlement payouts. Without seasoned legal representation of your own, you may struggle to dispute questionable arguments insurance companies make or obtain full and fair compensation, especially for non-economic damages related to pain and suffering. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer has extensive experience negotiating with insurance companies. They know which documentation strengthens a claim and when a lawsuit may be necessary to compel a higher settlement.
3. Avoid Costly Errors That Limit Compensation
The laws governing car insurance claims and personal injury lawsuits can be complex, tricky, and frequently changing. An innocent misstep could weaken your entitlement to damages. For example, talking too much with insurance companies can enable them to distort your words against you later. An attorney understands critical rules related to statute of limitations, evidence preservation, contributory negligence versus comparative fault, and contractual notification requirements after an accident. Leveraging this expertise significantly boosts eligibility for maximum compensation after a crash.
4. Reduce Stress and Hassles
The insurance claims process alone can contribute tremendous frustration on top of the disruption an unexpected auto collision causes. Managing necessary documentation and communications while coordinating medical care, vehicle repairs, alternative transportation, missed work, and other accident consequences quickly becomes overwhelming. An experienced car accident lawyer has managed hundreds of claims from beginning to end. They take on these burdens so clients can focus energy on healing and restoring normalcy after the trauma of an auto accident. Their knowledge and efficiency also speed up resolution of car accident cases.
Any car accident serious enough to cause injuries or vehicle damage could justify speaking with an attorney to understand legal options. An initial consultation is often free or low cost. Investing in professional legal support maximizes potential compensation while minimizing complications resulting from a car wreck. If monetary recovery is necessary to cover related expenses or losses, the last thing accident victims need is leaving money on the table simply by trying to handle matters alone against seasoned insurance company representatives looking out for their own interests above all else.
