It can be tempting to handle your own car accident claim, especially when it seems like the insurance company is working with you to settle quickly. Don’t forget that the insurance company is not on your side. They will use anything you say against you and offer the smallest settlement possible.
The insurance company knows that your accident caused financial hardship; they are counting on this to pressure you to settle quickly and leave money on the table.
Handling your own claim may be a good idea if your accident only caused a little property damage. But if you sustained an injury, you are being blamed, or your accident was complicated, there are many reasons to hire a car accident lawyer instead.
Here are just some important reasons to hire a car accident attorney to help you.
A Lawyer Will Determine the Total Value of Your Damages
Your lawyer will understand the damages you may recover and document the full value of your losses. Your losses may not be immediately apparent. You may have sustained injuries that are more serious than they seemed at first. If your injuries are serious, you may suffer long-term effects such as chronic pain, reduced mobility, and disability.
Calculating future medical expenses and lost wages can be difficult and may require working with experts. An experienced lawyer has a network of accident reconstruction, medical, vocational, and economic experts to strengthen your claim.
A Lawyer Has the Necessary Legal Expertise
A car accident lawyer’s experience and legal knowledge can be invaluable, especially if your case is complicated. Your lawyer will understand the important deadlines that apply to your case and how to prove liability.
This expertise is critical if your case goes to court. Your attorney will help you navigate the complex legal system, gather evidence, and present your case to a jury. Your attorney will give a compelling argument and use witness and expert testimony and other evidence to support the compensation they are seeking for you.
A Lawyer Will Defend You Against Insurance Company Tactics
The insurance company may employ many tactics to minimize your claim or avoid paying anything at all. Your lawyer will be your advocate and prevent you from falling prey to common tactics like:
- Delays in processing your claim to pressure you
- Making a lowball offer
- Blaming you for your accident
- Minimizing the severity of your injuries
- Claiming your injuries were not caused by the accident
- Recording your statement to use against you
- Asking you to visit their doctor or sign a medical release
- Intentionally misinterpreting social media posts to use against you
Your lawyer has experience dealing with insurance companies and understands the tricks they use to minimize payouts.
You Have a Better Chance of Getting the Compensation You Deserve
Hiring an injury lawyer does not guarantee you will have greater success or recover more money. However, a lawyer can give you a better chance of getting the compensation you deserve.
The insurance company will be less likely to make a lowball offer or blame you unfairly if they know you are represented. Your lawyer is a skilled negotiator capable of presenting the strongest and most persuasive case to the insurance adjuster.
Your lawyer will also handle all communications with the insurance company and help you avoid common mistakes that can damage your case.
You Do Not Pay Attorney’s Fees Out of Pocket
Personal injury lawyers usually work on a contingency fee basis. You do not need to pay any upfront attorney’s fees to benefit from an experienced legal advocate.
Remember: once you sign a settlement agreement, it’s final. If you turn out to be more injured than you thought, or the settlement does not fully cover your medical bills and other losses, you will not be able to recover more money. An experienced car accident lawyer will level the playing field and pursue the full compensation you deserve.
