Should You Hire an Attorney After a Car Accident?

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Individuals involved in a car accident know how stressful it is to deal with the aftermath. While the accident happens in a matter of seconds, it can be weeks, months, or even years before everything is settled. Property damage claims, medical expenses, insurance calls, and more pile up, and victims of the accident often don't know where to turn for help. An attorney becomes of great help in resolving all matters related to the accident. For this reason, after receiving medical care following the accident, consider calling a personal injury attorney to get help.

Why an Attorney is Needed

Insurance companies operate to make a profit. To do so, they work to pay out the least amount possible when settling a claim. Insurers use a number of techniques to achieve this goal. For example, they may delay a claim in the hopes the victim will settle for less than they deserve simply to receive some funds as the bills related to the accident are mounting. This tactic serves as only one of many methods insurance companies use when resolving an auto accident claim, and individuals can learn more from Millar Law Firm about the techniques insurers use to their benefit.

When Should an Attorney Be Hired?

If the auto accident is minor, nobody is injured, and the property damage is minimal, a person might not need an attorney. Nevertheless, injuries often don't become apparent for hours, days, or even weeks after the accident. For this reason, any person in a car accident should be checked by a doctor. This exam provides information about the person's health immediately following the accident and serves as a baseline if injuries appear at a later time.

If a person in the accident is injured, an attorney should be consulted right away. Insurance companies have attorneys working on their behalf, and victims need the same representation. An auto accident can lead to severe injuries, including a traumatic brain injury, organ damage, and disfigurement. The victim deserves compensation for their injuries and the accompanying medical expenses. The attorney works to ensure they get fair treatment and enough money to cover any expenses resulting from the accident.

What Will the Attorney Do on Behalf of the Client?

The attorney works to collect evidence and build a case against the responsible party or parties. They may have a staff member take photos of the accident scene and the vehicles involved. The lawyer receives the police report from the accident and reviews eyewitness statements. They might reach out to the witnesses for more information. If the vehicle has an event data recorder, the attorney requests the data collected by the recorder.

Medical records are needed to prove the victim's claim, and the attorney may request their work records to show how the accident has affected them financially. Manufacturer records and recall information might be needed if a defect in the vehicle led to the accident, and the attorney might ask for electronic evidence, such as cell phone records, to learn if distracted driving played a role in the accident.

Once this information has been gathered, the attorney uses it to build a strong case to present to the insurance company. When the insurance company sees the victim has legal representation, they are more likely to offer a fair settlement. If the insurer refuses to provide fair compensation, the attorney represents the victim in a lawsuit.

Protecting the Client's Rights

The attorney works to protect the client's rights throughout the process of settling the car accident claim. They help the client deal with adjusters while telling them what to say so the victim doesn't unintentionally admit fault. Adjusters know how to frame questions to trip the victim up so they incriminate themselves in the accident. The attorney helps the victim formulate responses to ensure this does not happen.

A Network of Help

Personal injury attorneys work with car accident victims every day. They know who to call for help in strengthening a client's claim. This network helps to level the playing field for the victim. Without an attorney, the injured party may go up against a team of experts and end up losing their case or settling before they should because the experts overwhelm them. This situation becomes less of a concern when an attorney is fighting on behalf of the client thanks to the network the attorney has established while practicing. The attorney can call an expert to contradict the experts put forth by the insurer.

Which Attorney Should Be Hired?

Victims want to know which attorney they should hire. Although any attorney can take on an auto accident case, hire a lawyer who handles these cases routinely. They know the nuances of vehicle accident claims and are familiar with the other players involved. Furthermore, they understand how to value a victim's claim and what elements can be included when requesting compensation.

Most people know they can put in a claim for their medical bills to be paid by the responsible party. However, numerous other expenses qualify for compensation. For instance, if a woman is injured in a car accident and must hire someone to care for her children as she recovers, the expense of hiring this outside party should be included in the claim. It is directly related to the accident and should be covered by the person responsible for the accident. This serves as only one example of countless expenses that a person can include in their claim, and an experienced attorney ensures the client doesn't overlook any of them.

Every person involved in a car accident that was not their fault should speak with a personal injury attorney. The consultation is free, in most cases, and personal injury attorneys typically work on a contingency basis. This type of arrangement means the victim only pays if they win their claim. The attorney's fees come out of the settlement. As a result, a victim has nothing to lose by speaking to an attorney or hiring one to represent them in this situation. Speak to an attorney today. Your rights need to be protected during this difficult time, and the attorney functions to ensure they are.