When you have been involved in a car accident and have serious injuries, you may think gaining compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and your pain and suffering will be a foregone conclusion. However, the other driver and insurance companies are usually determined to make the process as difficult as possible. Rather than try to handle this situation on your own, here is how hiring an experienced attorney may help you get the financial settlement you deserve.
Your Injuries Are Being Disputed
In almost all car accidents, insurance companies will dispute injuries. Thus, even if you have medical evidence proving you have serious injuries, the insurance company will try hard to deny your claim, especially if you do not have legal representation. By hiring an attorney after your accident, the insurance company will know you are serious about being fairly compensated for your damages. Your attorney will also know what documentation and evidence you can use to properly prove your injuries and get the compensation you need to cover medical expenses.
Meeting Deadlines
After your accident, there will be numerous deadlines that must be met regarding the filing of documents with the court and insurance companies. Should you fail to meet these deadlines, it is possible your entire case could be tossed out, meaning you would have no legal recourse left to gain compensation. Yet if you hire a car accident lawyer immediately following your car crash, they can ensure all deadlines are met. Because they are experienced in the legal system, they will know what needs to be done in the proper order and how much time can pass between filing different motions.
What to Say or Not Say
Days after your accident, the insurance company may contact you by phone or in person to speak with you about what happened. While this sounds good, these visits have an ulterior motive, which is to get accident victims to say things that can be used against them to deny their claim. Should you talk to insurance representatives on your own, chances are you will say things such as “I’m sorry” or “I’m fine,” both of which can imply you were at fault for the accident and that your injuries are not serious. Instead, hire a lawyer and let them talk to the insurance company on your behalf. You may not even need to talk to the insurance company at all, but at the very least you should consult with your attorney before you do talk to them.
Getting Maximum Compensation
Ultimately, an attorney will be crucial to you getting maximum compensation for your injuries and other damages. If you are not careful, the insurance company may offer you a quick settlement that is tempting to accept. However, these initial settlements are usually far less than most accident victims need and deserve and may not cover all of the costs that the accident caused you.
By realizing the important role your attorney can play in helping you get a fair settlement following your car accident, you can avoid legal missteps and gain the compensation you deserve.
