After being in a car accident and sustaining injuries, you may be wondering whether it is mandatory for you to hire a car accident lawyer. The law does not oblige you to get legal representation, and there are countless accident victims who choose to pursue compensation on their own. It may be that their injuries are not too extensive, or maybe they have someone who can help them with the legal aspects while they focus on their health. What’s more, they may successfully get the compensation they deserve from the insurance company.
However, suppose your case is a bit more complicated. If your injuries are more severe, the insurance company you have to deal with might be less responsive or offer you a lower settlement than you deserve, you may consider hiring a car accident lawyer to help you fight for your rights. Here are some examples of cases where legal representation may work in your favor.
When You Are Filing an Insurance Claim
After being in an accident, you probably filed a claim with your insurer or the insurance company of the driver at fault. Depending on the state where you live, you may share a percentage of fault for the accident, and your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
However, it may be that the other driver did not carry insurance, or the limits of their policy will not cover your losses. If so, you may be able to seek compensation from your policy if you have uninsured motorist coverage. When things become complicated, it is better to have a legal expert by your side to ensure that no money is left on the table.
When You Are Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit
You may have to file a personal injury claim against the other driver if they have no insurance or their policy limits are small. Through a lawsuit, you can seek compensation from the negligent driver. You may also file a lawsuit if the insurance company offers you a low settlement to cover your losses.
In these cases, a lawyer can help build a strong case by conducting an investigation into the accident, reviewing your medical treatments and expenses, interviewing witnesses, and reviewing the police report. Your lawyer will also know when the statute of limitations will expire and how to prove the negligence of the other driver.
When You Must Prove Fault for The Accident
It is very hard for someone without legal knowledge to prove that the other driver is at fault for the accident and their injuries. However, in some cases, fault may not be clear-cut in the accident. Your car accident attorney will be able to prove that the other driver was conducting a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs or can find another reason why they may be at fault.
An experienced lawyer has the knowledge and skills to investigate the cause of the accident, using evidence to demonstrate that the other driver was at fault. If you did not cause the accident, you deserve fair compensation for your injuries and losses. Your attorney will focus on fighting for your rights while you focus on getting your life back on track.
