You do not have to hire an attorney to represent you as you file your car accident claim. Many ask themselves, “Why hire a car accident attorney if I can technically do this myself?”
If the claim is for a small amount and involves a minor accident, you could probably handle it on your own. However, in many cases, even moderate-impact accidents involve heavy and long-term expenses that a layman may not be able to identify on his own.
That means big mistakes while settling with the insurance company. Once you settled with an insurer, there's little you can do to change how things turn out. Below are six reasons that will explain why hire a car accident attorney to help with your case.
1. Your Attorney Can Identify All Damages to Which You’re Entitled
This is among the biggest benefits of hiring a personal injury attorney. Insurance companies often aim to pay you the least amount possible. Having an attorney on your side can help you ensure that you account for all damages you may recover.
Don’t forget about future medical bills and costs of long-term care, which may be realities in cases of serious accidents. There’s also the effect of your injuries on your earning capacity to consider. Your lawyer can help you determine these damages.
2. Your Attorney Can Negotiate with the Insurer
Your car accident lawyer should have experience negotiating with insurance companies. They know the ins and outs of personal injury and car accident law (more on that in the next section) so they can present legal arguments, present valid evidence, and make sure you receive fair representation during settlement negotiations.
3. Your Attorney is Familiar with Personal Injury Law
Not only will your attorney have experience negotiating with insurers, he will be knowledgeable of personal injury laws in Washington. Accident victims in Redmond may still collect damages even if partially at fault under the state’s comparative fault laws, for example, but proving fault is still important because fault will proportionally reduce damage recovery.
Your lawyer will be familiar with the laws regarding your accident as well so that he can establish fault. For example, property liability law treats trespassers differently than other visitors on a property, and your status can affect your ability to recover damages. Work with an attorney familiar with the law pertaining to your case.
4. Your Lawyer Can Help You Argue Fault
You know that your accident was caused by the other motorist, but that doesn't necessarily mean that you can convince the insurer, or if the case goes to trial, a judge or jury. It's not easy to prove fault or negligence.
An attorney will use accident and injury laws to prove that the other motorist was at fault, and that you deserve compensation. Your lawyer can also help you collect the right evidence and secure testimony from experts like accident reconstructionists if necessary to establish liability.
5. Your Lawyer Can Represent You in Court
If your attorney believes you are not receiving a fair settlement offer and negotiations are not producing sufficient results, he may advise you to go to trial. That is not something that you should attempt without having a car accident attorney representing you.
A trial can be complicated, challenging, and very expensive. Also, negotiations will continue until the trial date, during which your lawyer can continue trying to settle.
6. You Can Focus on Healing While Your Attorney Handles Your Case
If you suffered serious injuries, then you probably have a lot of appointments with doctors and a lot of resting and healing to do. Handling a car accident case on your own can complicate that. If you’re negotiating with insurers, filing legal documents, collecting evidence, and otherwise involved in the car accident claims process, it can leave less time to focus on your recovery. Hiring a car accident attorney allows you to focus on your recovery.
Still wondering, “Why hire a car accident attorney?” Set up your consultation with Max Meyers Law PLLC to discuss your case and learn how we can help. Call 425-399-7000 or use our contact form.