In the aftermath of a car accident that wasn’t your fault, it may be tempting to allow the insurance providers to handle everything. After all, if you weren’t the cause of a wreck, everything should work out in your favor, right?
While this may seem like a reasonable assumption, car accident cases can get complicated quickly. Expensive recovery bills and conflicting points of view may turn the settlement process into a nightmare. Insurance companies are seldom known for their charity.
Here are five reasons you’re better off hiring a car accident lawyer.
- Experience Handling Car Crash CasesIf you decide to represent yourself in a car accident claim, how will you know if a settlement you’re offered is fair? Insurance companies don’t expect you to be an expert, so they have no incentive to explore every opportunity to give you more money. A seasoned car accident lawyer managing your case adds strength to your claim because insurance providers know they are dealing with a professional.Unlike most people, car crash attorneys handle accident claims every day. They know what causes them, what their short-term and long-term effects are, and importantly, how much accident claims are worth. Knowing which outcomes are eligible for damages, and how to value those damages, is crucial when seeking compensation. With an auto accident attorney on your side, you can rest assured that no stone will go unturned in the pursuit of the compensation you need to be made whole.
- Knowledge of Applicable LawsAs a victim, you’re probably more concerned with how to heal and move on from the accident than the legal process. However, without a thorough understanding of the law, you may be unaware of all the options you have to pursue a claim. Laws are written to govern everyone under all circumstances, so they are often very detailed and difficult to interpret.A skilled and experienced litigator will have a thorough understanding of the law and how to apply them to your case. Your attorney will be able to investigate your accident and identify negligence on the part of the other driver. This is crucial in proving liability, or fault, before an insurance provider or court of law. It’s also important to know and observe the statute of limitations, or time limit to bring a claim in your state. Filing outside of this timeframe will likely lead to your case being dismissed.Additionally, laws change. What might have been true when your friend wrecked her car last year might not be true today. A lawyer bases their advice on the most up-to-date version of the law.
- Help Prove Liability and Discover All Sources of CoverageThe state of Mississippi follows a pure comparative negligence system for determining recovery outcomes. This means that if your accident claim ends up in court, the amount of compensation you receive could be reduced if you’re found to be partially at fault.To make sure you have the strongest possible claim, a car accident lawyer will conduct investigations and gather evidence to support your case. This may include:
- Tracking down and interviewing witnesses of the accident
- Consulting expert witnesses for accident reconstruction or medical evaluations
- Requesting accident reports from local law enforcement
- Gathering photos or video footage of the wreck
- Researching road and weather conditions surrounding the accident
- Evaluating vehicles to locate any possible defects
- Issuing spoilation letters to preserve short-lived evidence
- Dealing with Insurance CompaniesYour lawyer will handle all communications with an insurance provider on your behalf. This can include speaking for you over the phone or helping you create a written statement to ensure your words are recorded exactly. Clients whose lawyers speak or write for them are less likely to accidentally hurt their own claims or have their words twisted and taken out of context later on. A level playing field means that you have the best shot to recover quickly and get back to living your life.Like all businesses, insurance companies exist to turn a profit. Their job is easier when they get to decide how much to pay for your claim. However, when you involve an injury attorney, an insurer’s job stops being easy. If an insurance provider tries to put their own interests ahead of your needs by undervaluing your claim, a dedicated lawyer will be prepared to file a lawsuit and fight in court for what is rightfully yours.
- Negotiating a SettlementOne of the most important aspects of a car accident case is the resulting settlement, and the most crucial aspect of a settlement is how it is valued. When you understand exactly how much your claim is worth, you’re better equipped to handle the long and expensive process of recovery.Hiring a car accident lawyer can help you seek damages for things like:
- Any bills you incurred from medical treatment
- Any medical bills you may expect to have in the future as a result of the accident, including those for therapy or rehabilitation costs
- Any wages you lose as a result of being unable to work
- Any potential future income you’re prevented from earning as a result of the accident
- Any current or future consequences of the wreck and your resulting injuries, such as pain and suffering or PTSD
- Vehicle or other property damage
Contact a Car Accident Attorney Today
Perhaps the most compelling reason to hire a car accident lawyer is simply peace of mind. While seeking legal representation may not erase all your troubles, it can provide comfort in the knowledge that someone will look out for your best interests. That’s something only your lawyer will do – not the insurance company, not the police, and not the courts.
The attorneys of Derek L. Hall, PC are committed to fighting for the rights of Jackson car accident victims for more than 25 years. We provide our clients with unbiased and practical legal advice, and we’re quick to respond to any questions, emails, or phone calls.
Contact us today online or by phone to find out more about how we can help you.
