It’s unfortunate when you get into a car accident. While you can represent yourself when dealing with the insurance companies and other lawyers, it will put you at a complete disadvantage when trying to do so. It also plays into the insurers’ hands.
Here are 4 reasons why you should hire a lawyer when you’ve been involved in a car accident.
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Insurers Want to Pay You Less Than You Deserve
An insurer wishes to pay out as little on a claim as they can. They’re not in the business of representing your interests, nor do they have to act fairly when it comes to what they offer when their party has been determined to be at fault.
On the flip-side, a car accident lawyer is only there to represent your interests. They have experience negotiating with other lawyers and insurance companies in the pursuit of a reasonable settlement on your behalf. Also, they understand how much compensation to seek in the resolution of the claim which you won’t.
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A Lawyer is Unemotional
When you’re involved in a car accident, especially one that isn’t your fault, or where your car has been damaged or you’ve been injured, it’s a natural response to be angry. Unfortunately, this places you in a very poor position to understand facts and figures, and then negotiate on your behalf.
A lawyer is unemotional in the sense that they can pursue compensation with a level head and calm emotions. It makes a world of difference to the outcome.
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State Laws May Differ from Federal Ones
The state laws relating to driving safely and proper driving procedures (which speaks to which party is to blame), are relevant in accident cases.
Whether the accident happened in Houston, Miami or another major city, a lawyer from the state where the accident occurred is going to be more familiar with local (or state) laws and how they might be relevant to the case. Neither you nor an out-of-town lawyer will probably be aware of important laws that might be pertinent.
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Car Damage or Personal Injuries Could Be Worse
Either you, other parties and pedestrians could all be involved as a result of an accident.
Damage to vehicles and personal injuries are expensive to resolve. The size of the medical care bill is surprising to many people when first receiving one, especially if they’ve not been the recipient of major medical care as an adult before.
Ultimately, the final costs involved to resolve the matter could be woefully underestimated. However, a lawyer who has dealt with many similar accident cases is well placed to estimate initial expenditures and can receive quotes to clarify the total costs involved. This places them in a strong position to ask for greater compensation when the true extent of the damage or injuries is clarified properly.
Getting into an accident is a shocking thing to happen. Along with hiring an attorney as soon as is feasible, also take photos of the scene. The position of the vehicles and any tire marks on the road can prove helpful to crash investigators later. And it may even bolster your case too.
