If you’ve been involved in a car crash, you probably have a lot of questions. What happens next? Who was at fault for the accident in the eyes of the law? Who will pay for your medical bills and the damage to your car? How long will the settlement or payout process take?
If you’ve found yourself here, you’re not alone.
The period after an injury or accident can be confusing and complex, and it’s difficult to manage on your own.
Because of this, you should consider hiring a lawyer as quickly as possible after your accident occurs. In addition to helping you navigate the world of insurance claims and settlements, a skilled accident attorney can work with you to help prevent costly mistakes and oversights, from the start of your claim.
In this post, we’ll discuss what you need to know about finding a personal injury attorney, and how to move through the process.
Let’s get started.
First: A Word on De-Stigmatizing Legal Representation
For some people, there’s still a bit of stigma associated with hiring an attorney. Some people worry that hiring a lawyer to represent them means they’re trying to profit from a bad situation, or that they just want to wring as much money from the event as possible.
Fortunately, that couldn’t be further from the truth.
Any time a person experiences an accident, there are dozens of steps that must be executed quickly and accurately. Without the help of a skilled attorney, this can quickly become overwhelming.
Even worse, the insurance companies and the other parties involved in the accident can start to feel like adversaries to the victim, making the experience even more stressful and difficult than it needs to be.
When you hire an attorney, you ensure the events following the accident are fair and executed correctly. Because accident attorneys only get paid when they settle your case, you can trust that their services are working in your favor – every time.
In short, there should be no stigma associated with protecting your rights.
If you’ve been in an accident, you don’t need to navigate this difficult time alone. Let our team do the heavy lifting and protect your interests for you.
4 Signs You Need an Attorney After a Car Accident
If your accident was minor, or you’ve never worked with an attorney before, it can be difficult to decide when to hire one. Still, this is an important step. The attorney you hire will ensure your legal protection both now and in the future.
If any of the following apply to you, you should hire an attorney:
1. You’ve incurred medical bills
Did you know that around 2 million drivers who get into accidents obtain permanent injuries each year?
Navigating an injury after an accident can be complex, especially if you’ve incurred medical debt. Even if your injury seemed minor, the cost of X-rays, CAT scans, and ongoing treatment can add up quickly.
When you hire a personal injury attorney to handle the claim for you, however, you tip the scales in your favor. Because an attorney works with your insurance company on your behalf, legal representation can help lower or eliminate your medical bills and secure the settlement you need to pay any remaining debt.
2. Your car accident claim involves several legal aspects
If your car accident involves a few different aspects of the law, a skilled attorney will be necessary to help you navigate it.
For example, if your accident involved a commercial vehicle, a drunk driver, there were fatalities involved, or you’ve experienced lost wages or disability because of the accident, you need an experienced accident lawyer who will know how to document and present your claim accurately.
3. You’re concerned about money
Did you know that people who work with an attorney after being injured in an accident on average recover 3.5 times as much money as people who do not hire a car accident lawyer?
If you’re worried that your accident and subsequent expenses may break the bank, hire an attorney to help secure the settlement you deserve.
4. Liability is in question
Even if it seems obvious to you that the other party was at fault, the other side will likely try to deny or minimize responsibility.
If there’s any question of liability, hire an attorney as quickly as possible. When you retain a personal injury attorney, they’ll defend you and ensure that liability is assigned properly and fairly. And ensure that all the important facts of the case are taken into consideration.
What to Expect Once you Hire an Attorney
When you hire an attorney to represent you after a car accident, here’s what will happen next:
- Your attorney will collect copies of all relevant legal and medical documents to gain full knowledge of the case.
- Your attorney will take over all communication with other parties involved, including your insurance company and its adjusters.
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- Depending on the situation, your attorney may conduct further investigation into the root cause of the accident, and may consult with other experts (such as accident reconstructionists or doctors), if needed.
- The attorney will determine the full cost of your treatments and lost wages to ensure they’ve made an accurate settlement demand.
- The attorney will negotiate with the insurance company for the liable party and will prepare the case to go to trial if a fair settlement cannot be reached.
- If your case does go to trial, the attorney will prepare and present the case on your behalf.
As you search for an attorney, be sure to find one that you feel comfortable with. This is a vulnerable time. It’s essential to work with someone that feels like they have your best interests at heart. The attorney you choose should be willing to work with you and your family. As well as answer any and all questions you may have.
Have you Been Injured in a Pensacola Car Accident?
If you’ve been injured in a Pensacola accident, you should not have to navigate your recovery alone. Our team of skilled Pensacola accident attorneys is here to help you, from start to finish.
Contact us today to learn more about our injury law practice, or to request your free consultation now. We can help you navigate the aftermath of your car crash. And ensure you get the settlement and insurance payout you deserve.