Daniels Law

Top 12 Reasons You Need a Car Accident Lawyer

November 27, 2023 · Auto Accidents
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Speeding is a significant threat on the road, accounting for nearly one-third of all car-related injuries and fatalities. This startling statistic underscores the unpredictable nature of road incidents and the potential complexities they bring. When faced with such unforeseen events, having a car accident lawyer becomes not just a choice, but a necessity.

Are you weighing the decision to hire a car accident lawyer? Read this guide to discover the various advantages of using a lawyer in a car accident case.

1. They Provide Car Accident Lawyer Expertise & Experience

Car accident lawyers have specialized knowledge of the legal landscape surrounding car accidents, including an understanding of the laws and regulations that may affect your case. This expertise allows them to navigate complex legal processes, assess the true value of your claim, and negotiate with insurance companies to ensure you receive fair compensation.

Insurance companies usually have teams of experienced lawyers on their side to help them minimize payouts to claimants. If you don't find an attorney for your car accident claim, you will be at a significant disadvantage in dealing with the insurance company.

2. They Know How to Deal With Insurance Companies

Insurance companies are chasing profits. If you receive an offer from them following your car accident, it means they have established that someone they insured is responsible for your losses. They will quickly offer you a low settlement, hoping that you will accept it before you speak to a lawyer and learn the true value of your claim. Their primary goal is to underpay so they can minimize payouts.

A car accident attorney understands the shrewd tactics used by insurance companies and can advocate on your behalf to ensure you are not taken advantage of during the claims process. They can negotiate effectively on your behalf to ensure you receive a fair settlement.

3. They Possess Procedural Know-How

Legal proceedings involve specific procedures and protocols. Unfamiliarity with these can lead to procedural missteps, such as missed deadlines, improperly filed paperwork, or incorrect court protocol, which could negatively impact your claim. In some cases, the opposing party may raise disputes or counterclaims. Handling these without procedural know-how can be challenging and could jeopardize your claim.

An experienced auto accident lawyer can handle all the necessary paperwork, file the claim within the required timeframes, and ensure that procedural rules are followed correctly to avoid compromising your case. They can also effectively address procedural technicalities that may arise to help expedite your claim process.

4. They Typically Charge Fees on a Contingency Basis

Handling a car accident claim process yourself means you will incur all financial risks that come with pursuing litigation. If the case is not successful, you will not receive compensation or any money spent handling the case. If you are hesitant to pursue a case due to the potential costs involved, using a lawyer for a car accident can be a great idea.

Many car accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This means they don't require upfront payments and they only get paid if you win your case or receive a settlement. In other words, they operate on a "no win, no fees" basis. This payment arrangement can ease financial concerns about affording legal representation.

Also, knowing that a lawyer is confident enough in your case to only get paid if they win can give you confidence in their ability to win your case.

5. They Can Explore Overlooked Legal Avenues

Multiple parties may be liable in a car accident claim. In such cases, liability is determined based on the specific circumstances of each case, but some common examples of potentially liable parties include:

  • The driver of the at-fault vehicle
  • The owner of the at-fault vehicle
  • A third-party driver
  • A municipality or government entity (if the accident was caused by a road defect)
  • A product manufacturer (if the accident was caused by a defective car part)

An experienced attorney may identify multiple potential legal avenues for compensation, such as third-party claims, that you might not be aware of.

6. They Bring Objectivity to Your Case

After a car accident, you might be dealing with emotional trauma or physical pain that could affect your judgment and hurt your case. During this time, it can be helpful to get objective advice and guidance from an expert on what to do next.

Car accident attorneys can help you see your case from an objective standpoint because they are trained to look at the facts and evidence impartially. For example, if you didn't give a right of way to the other driver in a T-bone car accident, a lawyer can help in accurately determining fault and advising on the legal options available. This will help you make informed decisions without the influence of stress or emotions.

7. They Can Represent You in Court

Insurance companies don't always make settlement offers to claimants. In some cases, they may deny a claim outright. If the at-fault party’s insurance company denies your claim you may need to file a lawsuit. This means going to court.

Without knowledge of how the court process works, it will be difficult to build a strong case against the insurance company. This decreases your odds of obtaining a favorable outcome.

A car accident law firm can represent you in court and fight to protect your rights. They can gather and analyze the facts and evidence of your accident and enlist expert witnesses to help present a watertight case in a trial setting. This will boost your chances of being compensated for your damages.

8. They Can Save You Time

Seeking compensation after a car accident may require researching and learning about the legal aspects of car accident claims, such as statutes of limitations, liability laws, and insurance policies.

It also involves several tasks, such as filing papers in court, gathering and analyzing evidence, and negotiating with insurance companies. These tasks can be cumbersome and time-consuming for the typical person to complete.

An experienced lawyer in car accident cases already has the knowledge necessary to navigate the claims process, saving you the time you would have spent acquiring it. Plus, they can handle the different tasks required to ensure successful claims processing on your behalf. This will free up time to focus on recovery and other aspects of your daily life that matter the most.

9. They Can Give You Peace of Mind

Dealing with insurance companies, gathering evidence, and navigating legal procedures can be stressful. It can also lead to sleep problems, emotional distress, and neglect of self-care.

Hiring a car accident lawyer allows you to transfer the burden of managing your case to a competent person. This can lead to reduced stress levels and increased peace of mind.

10. They Can Expedite Your Claims Process

Getting compensation following a car accident can be a lengthy and frustrating process, especially if there are disputes over who's at fault. If they are not lowballing you, insurance companies may attempt to deliberately delay or stall your claim process to discourage you from pursuing it further. This can add to the stress of being a car accident victim.

Experienced auto accident lawyers can foresee and mitigate potential delays in your case, whether it's responding to requests for additional information or pushing back against stalling tactics by insurance companies. This will help keep the process moving forward.

11. They Can Help You Avoid Costly Mistakes

Car accident law is a complex area of law, and there are many nuances and pitfalls that the average person may not be aware of. Self-representation in a car accident claim can lead to several mistakes that could jeopardize your chances of getting the compensation you deserve.

Some common mistakes people make when they represent themselves include:

  • Accepting a quick settlement that undervalues their claim
  • Saying something inadvertently that could be used against them
  • Missing important deadlines
  • Failing to collect enough evidence
  • Making procedural errors in court

A car accident law firm can help you avoid these pitfalls. Their main objective as your advocate is to guide you through the legal process and fight for your rights.

12. They Can Get You a Better Settlement

As already mentioned, insurance companies are often quick to offer claimants less than the typical car accident settlement amounts. If you accept their offer, you risk getting the short end of the stick.

A car accident lawyer can use their negotiation skills and legal knowledge to help maximize your settlement. They will consider all of your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.

Need to Speak to a "Car Accident Lawyer Near Me?" Contact Daniels Law

Fighting insurance companies or going to court after you have been injured in a car accident can be both time-consuming and emotionally exhausting. A car accident lawyer can save you time and give you the peace of mind you need to focus on recovery.

At Daniels Law, we understand that being in a car accident can be a traumatic and life-changing experience. That's why we specialize in helping car accident victims get the compensation they deserve for their losses and damages.

If you have been injured in a car accident caused by someone else, don't hesitate to get in touch with us today for a free case evaluation.

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