Why You Should Hire a Car Accident Attorney
Car accident attorneys help you understand the value of your claim. They manage communication with insurance companies and ensure you receive a fair settlement that covers your damages.
Damages can include medical expenses, loss of wages, property damage, and other non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering. A lawyer will also help you to research uninsured motorist coverage and other compensation sources.
1. You're Not at Fault
It may seem like it's not worth the cost to retain a lawyer if you have only minor injuries or weren't injured in a car crash. Many people are tempted to accept the first settlement offer from insurance companies, particularly if their medical bills are increasing and they are losing money because they are not able to work. This is a big mistake. Lawyers who specialize in car accidents know how to calculate the amount of damage you've suffered and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. They also know how to collect and examine evidence that is essential to winning your case. This could include footage from a traffic camera and cell phone records, employment records and more. They have the knowledge and resources to fight for your rights when dealing with insurance companies.
Insurance law can be a bit complicated and you'll need the assistance of a knowledgeable car accident lawyer. A good accident attorney will explain to you the laws that govern car accidents, and how they may help you. They will also go over the options available and answer any questions you might have. This will help you make an informed decision about whether or not to pursue the claim.
A qualified car accident lawyer will also know how to gather and analyze evidence for your case. Cleveland accident attorneys can send investigators to the scene to examine the statements of witnesses and medical records, police records and more. This information can also be used to make a claim to the insurance company of the driver at the fault.
A knowledgeable lawyer will help you maximize your compensation for injuries and damages. This includes both future and present costs for your injuries. It will also ensure that you do not have to accept a lowball offer which may not be enough to cover your expenses.
You must prove that the party responsible had a duty of care to ensure that you receive compensation. This duty of care must be violated, and the breach must have caused your injuries and damages. This is a difficult argument, but it's crucial to get the compensation you deserve.
3. You're Not Getting the Compensation You're Due
Depending on the severity of your injuries and other losses, you could be entitled to compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. In general this means that you are entitled to be compensated for medical bills and other expenses that are associated with your injuries, as along with any lost wages resulting from the accident. It isn't always easy to quantify these types of damages.
For instance, you could require a medical professional to examine your injuries and determine what the long-term effects will be. This can cost you a substantial amount of money, and it's difficult to put a price on the future medical costs that may arise from this injury. The same can be said about the pain and suffering that results from the injury. Insurance companies often try to minimize the value of these types of injuries because they are difficult to quantify.
It's crucial to take all of this into consideration when estimating the value of your claim. This is why it's a great idea to engage an attorney who knows what they're doing and who can assist you in determining the value of your claim. They'll also be able to contact insurance companies and challenge any attempts to downplay your claim or deny it altogether.
Lastly, it's crucial to seek medical attention immediately following the incident. This is especially true when you experience any kind of discomfort or pain. This will help establish a direct link between your injuries and the accident. It's also important to attend any appointments your doctor suggests or treatments. Missing treatment can hurt your case in the future because it could indicate that your injuries weren't as severe as you think.
The insurance company is likely to call you to request an explanation, and they might even try to press you into admitting fault. If they call to inquire about your claim, be polite and respectfully decline. Then, send them to an attorney. They will handle all communication with your insurance adjuster, and help you obtain documentation to prove your claim. They will also assist you in finding an estimate of diminished value to ensure that you are compensated for any reduction in the value of your car as a result.
4. You're not getting the assistance you need
A lawyer with experience will help you avoid making mistakes that could negatively impact the value of your claim. The insurance company could alter your statements to argue that the injuries you've suffered aren't severe enough to warrant compensation above no-fault PIP or fault-based damages. In addition, they may try to get you to sign a document that releases them from responsibility for the accident in exchange for an early offer that is far below what your actual losses are. It is important not to communicate with the insurance company beyond basic information. Instead you should direct all communications to your lawyer.