Here’s Why One Should Hire a Car Accident Attorney
Our automobiles are important on multiple occasions. We use them for work, running errands, or heading out on a road trip. But driving has its risks and can sometimes lead to accidents that are not your fault. While most of these might be minor bumps, others will require significant intervention and a car accident lawyer. Such professionals can significantly improve the odds of the compensation you receive from the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
When it comes to third-party insurance, a person may come across certain caveats with these claims. When you’ve been in an accident that is not your fault, it is the responsibility of the at-fault driver and their insurance company to pay you a fair compensation. The amount awarded is meant to help you recover from the accident, cover hospital bills, and other factors. But when the at-fault driver’s insurance company handles the case, they look for ways to limit their client’s responsibility. This way, the company focuses on making profits and will attempt to offer a lot less than the deserved compensation. There are also a few telltale signs to look for to identify if an insurance company is trying to underpay you. These signs include:
Lack of a police report
You must always call the police to get a report, irrespective of the type and severity of the accident. If a police report is not filed on time, the verdict is based on the most practical reasoning given by either party for the accident. One must always ensure they have the police report because it can present facts when it comes to making a claim.
Using this party to appraise the damage
An insurance company that implies it’s going to send the vehicle to a third-party service to appraise the damage is not a good sign. These agencies may come up with a lower value for damages than the amount generally agreed upon by a reputable agency. The outcome of this process is that you get paid less than what you should receive for the claim.
Recorded statement requests
An insurance representative might ask you to record your statement on the pretext of “quality assurance” or to proceed with the claim. However, no recorded statement is needed for such claims. Recording a statement may indicate that the insurance company is trying to limit the compensation.
Delaying progress on claims
When an insurance company takes more time than usual to settle a claim, it might mean they are considering underpaying or denying compensation. So regular checks on the progress and enquiring about delays are essential in such situations.
Benefits of hiring a car accident attorney
Considering the issues that may stem from the at-fault driver’s insurance company, one is better off hiring a car accident attorney. The benefits of hiring one include:
Determining if there is a case
One may not be entitled to compensation in every case. Here’s where an attorney can determine if it is worth spending your time and money pursuing the case. The car accident attorney can also advise you about the statute of limitations in place. These limitations explain when a claim can be filed and who is authorized to file it.
Proving the injuries
The individual you hire will thoroughly investigate the evidence to prove that you have sustained the injuries claimed. This is done by collecting police reports, interviewing witnesses, and reconstructing the accident scene. Doing so will help build a strong case that you are likely to win.
Managing the insurance company
Reputable car accident attorneys are experienced enough to know when an insurance company is trying to deny or offer low compensation amounts. The attorney handles the process and the fine print to ensure that you get a substantial payout from the at-fault driver’s or your own insurance company.
Assessing the claim’s value
A car accident claim can amount to more than the hospital expenses and lost wages. Hiring an attorney can help you determine the correct amount. They can estimate an accurate figure that covers all the factors eligible for compensation.
Negotiating settlements and lawsuit representations
During a claim process, negotiations are necessary to settle on fair compensation for the accident. A car accident attorney collects all the evidence to negotiate and ensure a fair settlement is offered. If both parties cannot come to an agreement, the case proceeds to trial. Here, you will have to tackle a set of skilled attorneys that represent the insurance company. So to prove the case to a jury, you will need a car accident attorney in your corner.
Preventing case sabotage
Several statements made during a claim may sabotage the chances of a fair settlement. Here’s where the individual you hire can advise you about what needs to be said. They may also ask you to refrain from answering tricky questions put forward by the insurance company, as these are intended to disrupt your case.
Tips to find a reliable attorney
Thousands of attorneys practice accident law. So you will need to keep certain tips in mind before hiring one. These tips include:
- Talk to your friends and family to recommend an attorney they’ve hired in the past with positive results.
- Read reviews about the lawyer and check their social media handles or official websites. The reviews will help determine if they fit the profile you are looking for.
- Ask them important questions like the type of cases they specialize in, how long they’ve been practicing, and if they feel you have a strong case. Asking them about how much the case is worth, the time that is taken to settle the case, and their hiring fees can also help you choose an attorney.
- Enquire about their billing procedure. There are different ways an attorney may bill you. They might charge a contingency fee, a flat fee, or an hourly rate. Some may also ask for a retainer. So ensure you hire one that best suits your financial situation.
