The Benefits of Hiring an Auto Accident Attorney
According to the National Safety Council (NSC), there are nearly 5 million "medically consulted injuries" from auto accidents every year.
If you've been injured in a car accident, you may be left wondering what your next steps are. Getting proper medical treatment for your injuries should always be your number one priority. After that, it's about getting on the road to recovery while getting the compensation you deserve for your suffering.
Filing a personal injury claim after an auto accident may require hiring an auto accident lawyer. You may be wondering why exactly you need one to recover such obvious damages as medical bills, lost wages, and property damage...
The thing is, getting compensated after an auto accident is anything but easy. In this post, we'll go over some of the benefits of having an auto accident attorney by your side. Keep reading and you'll see how integral they are to winning your case.
Understand the Legal System
Car accident cases can be particularly complicated. What an auto accident attorney really provides is the knowledge and experience needed to use the legal system to your advantage. Without one, you'll be left to go to battle with insurance companies on your own.
When you're seeking out a lawyer after your accident, look for one that specializes in auto accident law. A lawyer who has a track record of winning big car accident settlements can make the process a lot simpler.
They need experience settling out of court, as nearly all personal injury settlements happen this way. Should push come to shove, however, they should also be ready to go to court and win you a fair settlement.
Help You Handle Insurance Companies
Other than the fact that you've been injured, the worst aspect of being hurt in a car accident is dealing with the other party's insurance company. Most of the time, the insurer is going to do everything they can to downplay your injuries and the effect they've had on you.
If you don't have an auto accident lawyer, you'll have to deal with the insurance companies on your own. They've got a lot of legal power behind them, so it can be incredibly intimidating. The usual result is that victims settle for much less than they should.
A good personal injury lawyer will level the playing field and become the middleman between you and the insurance company. With a strong knowledge of California's car accident laws, they'll know what is a fair settlement.
Thorough Investigation of Your Auto Accident
Whether you're looking to settle out of court or you're trying to get the maximum settlement available, your lawyer will take the investigation into their own hands. Putting forth an auto accident claim requires evidence of fault, proof of damages, a police report, and witness testimonials.
You play a huge role in this aspect of the claims process. You need to get witness testimonials and documentation of the scene of the accident. The more clear evidence that you can give your lawyer of the other person's negligence, the more firepower your lawyer will have.
After an accident, you also need to get yourself checked out, whether you've walked away unscathed or not. Your doctor's testimony and medical bills are an important part of figuring out what happened and how much you should be owed.
If you forego diagnostic testing, it's going to be harder for your lawyer to prove that your injuries resulted from the accident. Delayed symptoms are a common occurrence after auto accidents, but the insurance company is going to try to use them against you.
The statute of limitations in California is 2 years from the date of the accident, or 1 year from the discovery of your injuries. You can really help your lawyer out with the investigative aspect by being proactive about medical treatment and providing other evidence.
Provide Advice and Support
In addition to being a legal expert, your car accident lawyer is there to give you advice and support. How you proceed with your auto accident claim is up to you, but your lawyer will provide counsel so that you're making an informed decision for your future.
During your lawyer's investigation, they'll get a real sense of what your claim is worth. Negotiation with the insurance company can take time, but knowing how much money you should get can help you when deciding to settle.
If you're given multiple lowball offers, your attorney may advise you to take your case to court. This is a more lengthy process, but it's the only option when negotiations break down. As long as your lawyer is experienced and prepared, going to court should get you a better settlement.
You Can Focus on Recovery
Auto accident attorneys take on the brunt of the work during these cases. The point of this is to let you focus on what's important - recovering from your injuries. In an already overwhelming situation, it gives you peace of mind knowing that a legal expert is fighting for your rights.
Most of the time, an auto accident attorney will charge on a contingency basis. You won't have to pay them unless they help win your settlement. It's important to get the legal fees nailed down before you hire a lawyer so that you are on the same page.
Get the Best Auto Accident Attorney in California
Have you been injured in an auto accident in California? If so, it's time to contact Grove Accident Lawyers.
We strongly believe that if you were injured because of someone else's negligence, you deserve justice. Our legal experts will help you get maximum compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and distress.
With our aggressive negotiation techniques and skilled courtroom practices, we've recovered millions for our clients. Request a free consultation today and we'll get you started on the road to recovery.
