When Should You Hire a Lawyer After a Car Accident?
Whether you need a lawyer after a car accident is a difficult decision to make. Depending on your situation, it might be a good idea to hire a legal professional to help you get the money you deserve for your damages.
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If you do not have a lawyer, the insurance company may attempt to lower your settlement offer. They will also often try to pressure you into admitting fault or minimizing your injuries.
The insurance company will also likely try to record what you say in hopes of finding evidence that can be used against you later.
Your lawyer can help you understand what you should and should not say to the adjuster so that you do not end up saying something that might hurt your case.
They can help you gather evidence to support your claim, including photos of the accident scene and other evidence related to your injuries. They can also work with an expert witness to provide convincing opinions on matters such as your medical recovery and your financial losses.
Can Prove Liability – The first step to getting compensation for your losses is to prove that the other driver was at fault for the crash. It’s not always easy to do this, especially if you don’t have witnesses or police reports.
A lawyer can help you get evidence that shows that the other driver was negligent and caused the accident. This can include proving that they were speeding, drinking and driving, or distracted by something else that could have caused the crash.
They can also help you prove that you were a victim of “contributory negligence,” which is when both drivers share some responsibility for the crash. This can result in a larger settlement than would be possible if one driver was only liable for a portion of the accident.
This might be particularly helpful if you have a lot of medical bills, or if you are dealing with a long period of recovery that might affect your ability to work or enjoy life activities.
If the other driver is unable to pay you for your damages, an attorney can help you file a lawsuit against them and recover the funds that are rightfully yours. This can be an expensive and stressful process, so it’s a good idea to have a lawyer on your side to ensure that you get the fairest amount of compensation for your losses.
Can Negotiate a Higher Settlement Instead of Accepting the First Offer – An experienced car accident lawyer is more skilled at negotiating settlements than a layperson, which can mean a greater payout. According to a personal injury study, people who negotiated their claims received an average of $42,500 more than those who accepted the first settlement offer.
They Can Help You Establish a Link between the Damages and Your Injuries
Many people are unaware that establishing a medical link between an accident and their injuries can be a crucial part of their case. This is because if you do not have medical proof, it can be very difficult to convince an insurance company or court that the accident has caused your injuries.