Car accidents are typically caused by human error, and crash victims in all states have legal rights that arise after any type of motor vehicle accident. Insurance companies know your rights, but they are not obligated to explain your rights and options, and they always try to minimize claim payments for property damage and injury claims.
Former insurance company lawyer Carl Nagle cautions crash victims, “Even if you are dealing with your own insurance company, the adjuster is being paid to oppose and minimize your claims. At least seek a free consultation with a car accident lawyer so you understand your rights before you start cooperating with claims adjusters”.
This article addresses why having the best auto accident attorney by your side can make a huge difference in how quickly your problems are resolved, and in the amount you collect for your damages and losses.
The Complexity of Accident Claims
While some people think that accident claims are straightforward, they truly are not. Even if it seems like a clear-cut case, the insurance claim process can be more complicated than expected. There will be a lot of paperwork, deadlines, and legal terms that can be confusing. Insurance companies know how to take advantage of this, and they work to deny valid claims or to push crash victims to settle for less than they deserve. An experienced car accident attorney understands the ins and outs of the legal process and the insurance claim process, which means they can make sure you don’t get shortchanged.
Reasons You Need an Attorney for Your Claim
Here are some important reasons why handling an accident claim on your own isn’t a good idea:
1. Insurance Companies Are Not on Your Side
Insurance adjusters are trained to be friendly, to earn your trust, and then to control the claim valuation process. Your adjuster might seem friendly, but their main goal is to save money, not to help you. If you don’t know what your claim is worth, you could accept a low offer and end up having to pay vast expenses out of your own pocket later. An auto accident lawyer knows what you can collect and how to push the insurance adjusters to pay full value for all of your claims and losses.
2. Understanding the Full Value of Your Claim
You might think that your claim only includes car repair costs or immediate medical bills, but there are a number of different types of damages that you can collect after an accident. Past medical bills, future medical expenses, lost wages, future lost earning capacity, home modifications for disabled victims, and tax free money for pain and suffering are all things you can seek payment for. An experienced personal injury lawyer knows how to calculate these costs, so you don’t miss out on compensation you deserve.
3. Help With Gathering Evidence
One of the biggest challenges in an accident claim is proving what happened. This is critical in states like North Carolina, where you have no claims and no right to any compensation if you are just 1% at fault for causing the accident. To motivate insurance companies to pay full value on all claims, you need evidence to show who was at fault and to back up your injuries. This might include photos, witness statements, police reports, and medical records. Attorneys know what evidence is needed and how to get it. They can even bring in experts, if needed, to fully prove your case. Having this kind of support can make your case stronger and much more valuable.
4. Handling the Paperwork and Deadlines
Accident claims require lots paperwork and the law typically imposes strict deadlines on how quickly you must present your case. If you make even a small mistake or miss a deadline, your claim could be denied. Attorneys know the process inside and out, so they can handle all the paperwork and make sure everything is filed correctly. This gives you peace of mind, knowing your claim is in safe hands.
5. Reducing Stress During Recovery
Trying to deal with an accident claim on your own can add a lot of stress, especially when you’re already dealing with injuries, medical bills, lost income andr other challenges. When you have a lawyer working on your behalf, they handle the tough conversations with the insurance company and handle all of the details. This frees you up to focus on getting better.
6. Preparing for Court If Necessary
Most accident claims are settled out of court, with no lawsuits and no court involvement. However, in some cases negotiations reach impasse and the case doesn’t settle. If litigation is necessary to enforce your legal rights, you will need someone who can fight for you. Attorneys know how to prepare a case for trial and present it in the best way possible. Going to court without an attorney is risky, and the insurance company will hire their own lawyer to oppose your case at trial.
7. Better Chance of Higher Compensation
Crash victims who retain a lawyer to present their injury claims generally collect much higher settlements than those who don’t. Studies have shown that accident victims with legal representation receive significantly more in compensation, even after the attorney’s fee is deducted from the settlement. Attorneys validate your threat of litigation and they know what it takes to get the best result, and they will not settle for a low offer. They negotiate hard to get you every dollar you deserve.
Key Takeaways:
Handling a car accident claim on your own might seem simple, but it is a mistake to trust insurance adjusters and the insurance claim process is complicated and often overwhelming. The insurance adjuster is working to protect the insurance company’s interests, not yours, and they know you likely don’t know how to present your case or what your injury claim is truly worth. By working with the best car accident attorney you can find, you’re giving yourself the best chance to recover fully — physically and financially. Having a lawyer for your auto accident claim can save you time, reduce your stress, and help you collect maximum payment for your accident and injury claims.