Five Reasons Why You Should Hire an Attorney After a Car Accident
President Abraham Lincoln, who was also an attorney, famously said something similar to this, “A person who is his (or her) own lawyer has a fool for a client.” Anyone involved in a car accident with injuries should immediately contact a personal injury attorney, including those who think they may have caused the accident. Contact us for a free consultation. Do this before speaking to anyone about the accident. Talk to an attorney before saying anything about the accident to healthcare providers, families, friends, or anyone from any insurance company.
Here are the five reasons why you should hire an attorney after a car accident:
1. Defense
Perhaps you caused the accident, or are partially responsible, or you were under the influence of drugs or alcohol when the auto accident occurred. It might be that passengers in your vehicle were injured. All of these reasons and more require the representation of legal counsel to make sure you defend yourself against legal liability and possible criminal prosecution.
2. Determining and Proving Fault
California and other states have “at-fault” laws for negligence. Injury victims in auto accidents must prove another party’s fault to create their liability for what happened and receive compensation.
It is a complex process proving who or what caused the accident. In many cases, the parties share responsibility for causing the accident. Also, often, there is an intense dispute over who is at fault. Proving fault may require amassing technical data, witness reports, taking depositions (interviews), and having expert witnesses’ testimony. A person without an attorney is ill-equipped to take on such a challenge as proving fault.
3. Getting a Settlement After a Car Accident
Without the representation of a personal injury attorney, insurance adjusters are reluctant to approve a settlement. An insurance adjuster’s job is to pay the smallest amount possible for settlements. Also, if possible, not to pay anything at all. Studies show that an attorney represents 85% of those receiving a personal injury settlement. Only 15% of the cases settle without the benefit of having legal counsel. As a result, those people likely received an inadequate amount to compensate them for their injuries.
4. Ongoing Medical Conditions
Accepting an early settlement without the benefit of proper legal counsel could be a mistake when ongoing medical problems continue and may last for a long-time. The full impact of an injury on a person’s life may not be apparent immediately. Medical problems caused by the injuries may come up later. Calculation of the lifelong financial requirements for medical expenses and receiving adequate compensation for “pain and suffering” is better achieved by using appropriate legal counsel who knows that these significant issues may occur.
5. Higher Settlement Compensation
The Insurance Research Council conducted a study of the settlement amounts received by a person who suffered a bodily injury in a vehicular accident caused by the negligence of another driver, a vehicle/parts manufacturer, or the government. Those who hired an attorney received settlement compensation that was 350% greater than the settlements accepted by those without the representation of a personal injury lawyer.
The best advice that “honest” Abe would recommend is not to take on these challenges alone. Consult with an attorney immediately after any serious auto accident that causes injuries.
Schedule a Free Consultation with a Personal Injury Attorney today call (281) 475-4535
In conclusion, if you or a loved one has been in an accident, make sure to contact a trusted and experienced attorney. Our network of attorneys have years of experience dealing with accidents and personal injuries. Furthermore, they will negotiate with insurance companies to get you the medical help you need, cover expenses of your damaged vehicle, and get you the compensation you deserve. CALL US ANYTIME (281) 475-4535 or fill out a consultation form here to start the process.