why you need an attorney after accident

by Bridie Macejkovic 5 min read

There is no law mandating that you must hire an attorney when seeking compensation after a car accident. Some victims of car accidents choose to seek legal counsel and representation so that they can focus on their health and recovery while also pursuing legal action.

Full Answer

Deadlines

If you decide to hire an attorney, it is best to hire one quickly, preferably within a few days of the collision. There are several deadlines you will be expected to meet, and an attorney can ensure they aren’t missed.

Evidence

Evidence of an accident can be short-lived. Whether it is surveillance footage, roadway evidence, or the vehicle itself, it will need to be documented quickly. If a nearby business has a surveillance video of the accident, it’s important to secure the footage. However, oftentimes businesses keep surveillance footage for a short number of days.

Witnesses

Memories can fade, and perceptions can alter over time. If witness testimony is important to your case, you will need to obtain statements quickly before their memory fades. There is a brief period of time where what they witnessed will be vivid in their minds.

Costs

If you’ve been seriously injured, you are most likely not prepared for how much treatment you might require. From imaging like X-rays and CAT scans to specialists and physical therapy, the bills can quickly become overwhelming. Medical debt is a serious problem, even for people who have insurance.

Compensation

If you are not injured, you may not need an attorney; however, don’t entirely rule it out. In certain situations, an attorney’s legal knowledge could be critical. The Insurance Research Council found that claimants who hire an attorney receive an average of 3 to 3 1/2 times more money than those who don’t.

Help

If you or someone you know has been involved in an accident in the Tucson, Oro Valley, Marana, or Sahuarita area, give Jeff GOULD Law a call. Your claim could involve more than one area of the law. Our offices will be able to advise you about the various claims you may be able to pursue.

1. Proving liabilities on injuries

One of the most challenging things is claiming compensation. In a car accident, you have to prove that other road user’s actions caused you pain or damaged your vehicles. This can get tricky as each party may try to blame the other.

2. Handling the insurance adjusters

Insurance companies will promise you the best until you make a car accident insurance company. They use insurance adjusters who have high negotiation skills to reduce the insurance settlement claim, or worse they deny the claim. After all, they want to make money.

3. Evaluating the severity of injuries

When making an automobile accident claim, the other challenge is ensuring you get compensated for the value of your damages. Insurance companies will always devise a way to pay you as least as possible. Sometimes the compensation you receive may not be enough to cater for the damages or injuries.

4. Settlement negotiation

You might have noticed that most car insurance companies might try to pay a lesser amount, or worse still, completely deny your claims. A professional personal injury attorney knows what’s going to increase the probability of your compensation. There’s also a chance to appeal if the insurance company denies paying for the claim.

5. Weigh Legal Options

One of the reasons you seek the help of personal injury lawyers is that they can help you weigh all legal options. Besides, car insurance policies are contracts that outline the responsibilities of different parties involved. Sometimes, it can be challenging to comprehend the details of the policy.

6. Prevent financial loss

Besides, a car accident attorney helps you avoid financial losses that come with filing an insurance claim late, addressing the wrong defendant, and presenting inaccurate information. If the court or insurance company confirms that you violated the standards, you stand a chance to lose your insurance claim.

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