Statistics have shown that over 1.3 million people lose their lives to car accidents every year, that’s an average of 3,700 lives lost on a daily basis. That’s to say that car accidents can happen to anyone at any time.
No one wishes for an accident but when it does happen, what do you do? Several things run through your mind at that moment like who is actually at fault and would be responsible for the medical bills? What about the damages done to the car? Do you get paid for the emotional trauma you’ve gone through? Then there’s the all-time question about what role the insurance company would be playing in this situation.
If you have those thoughts and you would when there’s been a car accident, that’s where an accident attorney comes into the picture. They are quite proficient in situations like this when you don’t know what to do next. Below are reasons you should contact a lawyer when you’ve been in an accident.
1. Money Can Be Lost When You Try To Do Things Yourself
When you attempt to file a lawsuit against whoever was involved in the accident or perhaps was the cause of it without knowing how to actually file a suit, you could likely lose a whole lot of money in the process. You might have done a great job in representing yourself and even gotten fair compensation, but the truth still remains, an attorney could have done a better job in helping you secure a higher settlement.
A lot of stress goes into representing yourself in a lawsuit as you may be confused about what step to take next. But, you don’t have to bear the weight of the case all by yourself. Contacting a lawyer after a car accident can not just increase the amount of settlement you could get, you save money that could have been lost in the process and also allow someone to go through all the hurdles you may have faced. Life can go on while your lawyer handles the rest and puts a smile on your face.
2. They’ve Got Extensive Knowledge Of What To Do Next
There is so much work to be done when negotiating a settlement after an accident or filing a lawsuit. To do this after, you’ve just been in an accident is both mentally and physically draining even if you feel you’re up for it. If an attorney should handle it all for you, you wouldn’t have to think about the next step to take after each stage as they’ve got more experience and knowledge.
Perhaps this would be the first time you’ve been in an accident, there’s a high chance you know little about what to do as opposed to a lawyer who has seen all sorts. Proposition 213 limits the rights of certain individuals to receive compensation if they are injured in a car accident, according to The Dominguez Firm, a personal injury law firm located in Los Angeles. But you wouldn’t know about that since you’re not an experienced lawyer.
When it comes to gathering the right evidence to support your claims such as medical records, police reports, witness statements, and employment or wage information, your attorney will help to organize those documents and prepare a settlement demand letter for the insurance firm.
3. You’d Have An Advocate On Your Side
After an accident, there are quite a number of individuals or groups you have to deal with such as the insurance firms, the persons who collided with you, medical practitioners. They may or may not be on your side.
Another good reason you should contact your attorney is that they become your personal advocate after the accident. In other words, all they’re concerned about are matters that can benefit you during negotiations with the insurance company or when a lawsuit is a next option. You may have a hard time telling your side of the story in court but you can rest assured that the lawyer would be advocating for you before the judge ensuring that you’re properly compensated for all that you’ve lost after the accident.
4. Settling May Not Be In Your Best Interest
It is tempting for most people to quickly settle their injury claim for money after an accident because of the medical bills piling up and the wages being lost. They’re basically in dire need of funds. But settling would require you to sign a release that legally constrains you from bringing up another claim against the other party who is paying you the money.
That may likely not be in your best interest when you get your lawyer involved. Hence, why it is important to talk to an attorney after being involved in an accident.
Finally, never assume you know what to do even if you’ve been involved in a couple of accidents. Accidents might be similar but not the same. It’s better to be safe than sorry; contact a lawyer today.