If you have been injured or your property has been destroyed in a car accident, it is crucial to hire an attorney to help you. Your first instinct may be to try and deal with the insurance company on your own. Whether to hire a lawyer or not depends on the complexity of your claims. The following are some of the major benefits of involving a car accident attorney.
Obtaining Evidence of Liability
When you are involved in a car accident, it is important to notify your lawyer immediately. You should not speak with the police, as anything you say may be used against you in court. Your lawyer will arrive at the scene of the accident to gather crucial evidence.
Your lawyer will take pictures of the scene to show how the accident may have occurred. Additionally, your car accident lawyer will talk to witnesses to get their version of the incident. Your attorney will also speak to the investigating police officer and acquire the accident report. All these efforts by your lawyer will be necessary to obtain evidence to prove the defendant's liability.
Obtaining Evidence of Damages
One of the most crucial roles of your attorney is to ensure you are compensated. Some of the damages that your lawyer can pursue on your behalf include medical expenses, loss of income, and pain and suffering. The amount of compensation you receive will be based on the evidence that justifies damages.
Your car accident attorney will obtain documentation connected to your injuries. Also, by speaking to your doctor and other medical experts, your lawyer will be able to determine the effects of your injuries. Your lawyer will also review your lifestyle before the accident and how your injuries have impacted your quality of life. To succeed in claiming damages, your lawyer will need to prove the extent of your injuries and the short- and long-term effects.
Negotiating
Your car accident lawyer will prove indispensable during negotiations with lien holders and with the defense. If a health, workers' compensation, or disability insurer paid you benefits after the accident, they have a claim on your compensation. Lien holders are entitled to be paid the moment you get any settlement.
Your lawyer will negotiate with the lien holder for a payment that works in your favor. In cases that are settled out of court, the defense normally proposes a damage award, which you can either accept or reject. The presence of a lawyer during these proceedings will help you get the best possible deal.
