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If you’ve recently been in a serious car accident, you may be wondering if you need the help of a professional car accident law attorney and if it’s worth hiring an attorney to represent you.
Whether you plan on taking the responsible party to court, or simply are looking for help in negotiating with insurance companies, hiring an attorney after a car accident is a good idea. In this article, we’ll take a look at a few of the benefits you’ll enjoy by seeking professional representation from a lawyer.
1. In-Depth Knowledge Of State Or City-Specific Laws And Regulations
Each state – and in some cases, each city – has different laws and regulations that govern auto accidents. For example, some states may use different methods of determining fault and liability, or have laws regarding things like distracted driving and cell phone use.
It’s not always easy to understand all of these laws on your own. Your Houston attorney can help you, as they have in-depth knowledge of all of the different types of regulations and laws that may apply to your case. This familiarity with your local legal system can help increase your chances of recovering damages after a serious accident.
2. Simpler Negotiations With Insurance Companies
Even if you do not plan on pursuing a lawsuit or taking an insurance company or responsible party to court, a lawyer is a great resource when you are negotiating with insurance companies.
Your lawyer can help guide you through the process of arbitration and negotiation. Insurance companies often use a number of different tactics to try to reduce the amount they have to pay, or even claim that they are not at fault for your injury.
When you hire a lawyer, you get someone who is truly on your side, and will help you fight back against these unfair practices, and get you what you deserve.
3. Ensures You Abide Within The Statute Of Limitations For Your Claim
Unless you file your claim within the statute of limitations in your state, you may not receive compensation. Different states have different statutes of limitations – for example, personal injury claims in Texas must be filed within 2 years of the injury.
An attorney will aid you in understanding these statutes of limitations, and ensure that prompt legal action is taken on your behalf.
4. More Accurate Assessment Of Damages After A Car Accident
When you file an auto accident claim, an insurer may attempt to offer you a settlement for your damages, so that your claim can be dismissed quickly. You should never accept this offer from an insurance company without already understanding what damages to which you are entitled.
An attorney can help you examine every aspect of your case, and ensure that all of your damages have been accurately reflected. They will take the following into account:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Long-term disability or change in health and well-being
- Property damage (if applicable)
Experienced attorneys have teams of staff members who can help assess your overall eligibility for damages, and pursue a fair settlement with an insurance company – ensuring that you get all of the money to which you are entitled for your pain and distress.
5. Prove Liability Of Other Parties In A Car Accident
To recover any kind of compensation for a car accident claim, it must be proven that the other party was at-fault for the accident. An attorney can help you build this case.
There are four elements of negligence that must be proven.
- The party who was at-fault owed you a duty to ensure your safety (such as driving responsibly)
- The party who was at-fault breached this duty (by hitting your car or otherwise causing an accident)
- You suffered an injury directly because of this breach of duty
- You suffered real, material damages because of the injury
Your attorney can help review the evidence and construct a compelling case that proves these four elements of negligence.
Car Accident Attorneys Help You Fight For Compensation
Though you could handle a car accident case on your own, a lawyer experienced in car accident law can help maximize the damages you recover, and ensure that you are able to prove the negligence or liability of the at-fault party.
So hire an attorney after your accident, and you’ll be able to maximize your compensation, and get the payout you deserve from insurance companies.
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This content is sponsored by Ben Obirek.
Photo: Getty Images