The personal injury sector is worth around $53 billion, with around 48,373 personal injury law firms operating. After being in a car accident, you may be wondering if you need to hire a car accident attorney. After all, you may not think it’s worth the hassle, even if you sustained an injury. There are several factors to consider when making this decision.
Car Injuries and Damages
If you or your passengers suffered any injuries in the crash, especially serious ones, then hiring a car accident injury lawyer is a good idea. They can help ensure you receive fair compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Even if you only had minor injuries, an attorney may still be able to get you a better settlement, although it will depend on the exact nature of your claim.
Since personal injury lawyers only get paid when you receive compensation, they won’t take on cases they can’t win (61% of car accident cases end in settlements) or where the level of compensation they can expect to win is low – half of all plaintiffs only received $24k or less.
Insurance Disputes
If the insurance companies involved are disputing fault or failing to offer you fair compensation, a lawyer can negotiate with them on your behalf and take the matter to court if needed. Don’t trust an insurer to look out for your best interests.
Multiple Parties Involved
If there were multiple vehicles involved in the crash, liability can become complicated. An attorney will determine exactly who was at fault and make sure they are held responsible.
Uninsured Driver
If the other driver was uninsured, you’ll need a lawyer’s assistance in obtaining compensation for your damages. 1 in 8 drivers in the US don’t have auto insurance.
Benefits of Hiring a Car Accident Attorney
Here are some key benefits of working with a car accident lawyer after a crash:
- Experience negotiating. Attorneys negotiate injury settlements every day. They know what your claim is worth and will insist the insurer pays it.
- Knowledge of state laws. Laws regarding car insurance, liability, the claims process, and injury compensation vary by state. A local attorney will understand the relevant laws.
- Litigation skills. If a fair settlement can’t be reached out of court, an attorney can file a lawsuit to pursue compensation through the court system.
- Resources to investigate. Lawyers have teams of investigators, experts, and other legal professionals who can examine evidence, estimate damages, and strengthen your claim.
- Objective guidance. After a traumatic accident, having a knowledgeable attorney in your corner to handle matters rationally can be very helpful.
Factors That May Impact Settlements
Certain factors may increase or decrease car accident settlement amounts, including:
- Severity of injuries
- Type of injuries (temporary vs. permanent disabilities or impairments)
- Medical treatment required
- Liability (clear-cut vs. disputed)
- Insurance coverage amounts
- Location of accident (laws may vary)
- Damages to vehicles and other property
While every car accident claim is unique, hiring an experienced attorney almost always results in a significantly higher financial recovery amount compared to handling matters alone. Don’t leave money on the table – consult an attorney after any serious accident.
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