Few people expect to be in a car accident and even fewer plan for it. So, if it does happen, many are unsure of what to do or who they can ask for help. One thing that you do need to keep in mind is you should consider getting a lawyer after a car accident, particularly if it’s serious. Here are five reasons why.
- A Lawyer can Handle the Insurance Company on Your Behalf-
Insurance companies always want to make money. The adjusters are trained in negotiating claims and settlements. They will try everything in the book to try and minimize what they have to pay and maximize the money they can make off you. It doesn’t matter whether it’s your fault or not.
That’s why you need a lawyer to handle the negotiations on your behalf, even if you think you can do this by yourself. This is because car accidents can quickly turn into a seemingly never-ending stream of “he said, she said” and your comments can easily be taken out of context and used against you.
An attorney will be able to:
- Negotiate with the insurance company.
- Handle all the details of the claim.
- Prepare a written or verbal statement to the police and insurance company that is carefully designed to your benefit, even if it’s your fault.
- Represent your best interests and help you get the outcome you deserve.
- A Lawyer can Determine the True Extent of the Damages and Prove Liability-
One of the most complex aspects of a car accident injury claim is proving that someone else’s negligence caused your damages. Or, if you caused the accident, proving that you’re only responsible for specific damages. This is because car accident cases can quickly spiral and blame can easily shift. You might end up being blamed for other things that weren’t actually your fault.
A lawyer can prevent this from happening by sorting through and analyzing the evidence to determine who caused which damages and then build up a strong argument for you. They may do this by:
- Interviewing witnesses and gathering testimonies.
- Analyzing the accident report.
- Reconstructing the accident scene.
- Gathering your medical records from your doctors.
- Consulting medical experts to determine and validate the severity of your injuries.
This can be helpful even if you were at fault for the accident. A lawyer can ensure you only get the blame for what you caused or they might discover that the other party is actually partially at fault too.
Remember… auto insurance policies are just contracts that detail the responsibilities of each party, often using complicated legal jargon.
A lawyer can help decipher these legal documents for you.
- A Lawyer can Negotiate a Fair Settlement-
Insurance companies are highly trained in negotiating settlements. But so are car accident lawyers. A lawyer can help you get a fair outcome, regardless of whether it was your fault or not. They will prevent you from being overcharged if it was your fault, or under-compensated if it wasn’t.
- A Lawyer can Help Explain all the Laws and Regulations Associated with Your Claim-
Auto insurance policies are just contracts that detail the responsibilities of each party, often using complicated legal jargon.
A lawyer can help decipher these legal documents for you and explain all the laws and regulations that apply to your claim. They can help you figure out whether the insurance company is acting in good faith and upholding their end of the bargain in the contract. They can ensure you receive the best possible, fair outcome and are only held responsible for what you actually did (if anything).
- A Lawyer can Advise You on How to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit-
You may have been in an accident that wasn’t your fault and obtained an injury. Or perhaps it was your fault but your lawyer discovers you can actually hold the other party accountable for an injury you obtained. Whichever it may be, a lawyer can help advise you on all of your legal options. They can even help you file a personal injury lawsuit.
Do I Need a Lawyer if It Was a Minor Car Accident?
Perhaps someone has knocked off your side mirror, left a dent or scratched your bumper. Do you still need a lawyer then? Yes, you should still get a lawyer even if you were involved in a minor car accident.
This is because the points we mentioned earlier in the blog still apply, even for a minor accident. A lawyer can help protect your interests so the insurance company and the other party/parties uphold their end of the bargain and you get the compensation you deserve.
When’s the Best Time to Get a Lawyer?
Ideally, you should get a lawyer immediately after your accident. Even before you contact your insurance company. It’s normal to be emotional from the trauma of being in an accident, but you don’t want to risk accidentally admitting guilt, especially if it wasn’t your fault. A lawyer can help walk you through what to say and what to do. They can even handle the initial negotiations for you.
Finding the Right Car Accident Lawyer
It’s easy to find a personal injury lawyer but finding the right lawyer to handle your auto accident case is a completely different matter. The best lawyer for a car accident claim is experienced in handling similar cases to yours, has a great track record and someone you can trust to represent your best interests.
At Coxwell & Associates, our personal injury lawyers are both qualified and highly experienced in handling a variety of vehicle accident claims – from motorbikes to automobiles and 18 wheelers. We’ve been helping Mississippians for over 35 years find their justice and we can help you too.
We offer case consultations so contact us today by clicking the button below.
Disclaimer: This blog is intended as general information purposes only, and is not a substitute for legal advice. Anyone with a legal problem should consult a lawyer immediately.