Negotiating with insurance companies after a car accident can be quite a hectic and complicated process. They tend to offer lowball settlements, and if you don't have a lawyer, you might not receive enough compensation.
That is why you need a car wreck lawyer to act on your behalf. They are aware of the tactics that insurance firms employ and will fight for your rights.
Investigate Your Crash
Your lawyer will help investigate the crash by gathering all the necessary evidence, including witness statements, accident reports, and more. They will also help you obtain medical records and bills, which will be used to show the extent of the injuries you sustained.
Assess Insurance Coverage After a Car Accident
The first step to securing compensation for a car accident is to assess your insurance coverage and see if it's enough to cover the losses. Besides assessing your own policy, you should also look at the other driver's coverage if they were at fault for the accident.
It is important to identify all the possible insurance policies that may apply to the accident, from property damage liability, personal injury protection, and uninsured motorist coverage, among others. A lawyer can help you obtain the insurance information of the other driver and review the coverage to strengthen your claim.
Calculate Your Damages
You don't want to lose out on damages you're owed simply because you didn't know what to claim or how to work out the final amount. Your attorney is there to ensure this doesn't happen.
They will help you add up your current medical costs and the repair of your property. They will also predict your future medical expenses if you require ongoing care or rehabilitation. Additionally, they will determine your lost wages due to time off work, lost opportunities for overtime and promotions, and the potential loss of earning capacity if you cannot return to your previous job.
Your lawyer will also assist you in identifying all the non-economic losses that you have incurred, including pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of quality of life.
Prevent Self-Incrimination
It's best to let your lawyer handle all communications with your insurance company. That's because insurance companies are always finding ways to pay less for damages. As such, they might try to persuade you into admitting fault by making you say words like 'I'm sorry.' So, if your insurance company calls you, give them your attorney's contacts to avoid incriminating yourself unknowingly.
Negotiate for a Fair Settlement
If your insurance company offers you a settlement, don't accept it right away. It's likely much lower than what you deserve.
Instead, contact an experienced car accident lawyer who will ensure you don't settle for a lowball offer. An experienced lawyer is in a better position to negotiate for a fair settlement because they understand your case and know how insurance companies work.
Represent You in Court
If negotiations with the insurance company do not produce the desired outcome, then an attorney may file a lawsuit and represent you in court. That makes the insurer more likely to agree to negotiate with you. If they don't, your attorney will present your case in the best possible way and challenge the insurance company during litigation.
How to Choose an Attorney to Represent You
They Should Have Experience With Your Type of Case
You should choose an attorney who has experience in car accident cases. Look specifically for expertise in handling claims like yours. Here are some of the questions you should ask yourself before settling for an attorney:
- Do they have a proven track record in handling car accident cases?
- How long have they been practicing personal injury law?
They Should Have Proven Results
You should ask about the attorney's past success. Find out if they've secured significant settlements for their clients. If they have a history of favorable outcomes, that means you can trust them with your case.
Do They Have Expertise in Your Local Area?
Another important factor to consider when choosing an attorney is whether they have experience practicing locally. If you hire an attorney who isn't conversant with your jurisdiction's laws and practices, they could miss out on a crucial detail or make a mistake. This will greatly reduce your chances of securing a fair settlement.
What's Their Advocacy Style?
You want a lawyer who will tell you the facts as they are and not tell you what you want to hear. They should be willing to explain the law to you in the simplest way possible and give you advice based on the specifics of your case. They should also be willing to explain why they are making certain recommendations and how these will benefit your case.
Look at the Fee Schedules
Some lawyers may ask you to sign a fee agreement without clearly explaining the costs, and you might later find out about hidden charges. That's why you should ask your attorney to give you a complete fee schedule to determine the full amount they charge for your case. Essentially, you are looking for an attorney who will not take advantage of you during the tough times.
You should also consider working with a contingency fee attorney rather than an hourly-rate attorney. This way, you won't have to worry about raising money to pay them upfront.
Look for Client Reviews and Testimonials
Check online reviews and testimonials to gain insights into the attorney's communication, professionalism, and success rate. Look for an attorney with consistently positive feedback and high ratings, as it means many people trust them.
Don't Let Insurance Companies Take Advantage of You
It's not a good idea to communicate directly with your insurance company after an accident. That's because they may not have your best interest at heart and might try to invalidate your claim. However, by hiring an experienced car wreck attorney, you increase your chances of securing a fair settlement.
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