Yes, you should get a lawyer after a car accident, even one that wasn’t your fault. A car accident lawyer can help you file an insurance claim against the liable party and negotiate with insurance companies. A lawyer can also investigate for evidence and defend you if insurance companies try to shift blame.
In short, a car accident lawyer can give you the best chance of recovering the full amount of your losses. Insurance adjusters are inherently antagonistic, so a lawyer will level the playing field and protect your rights.
Why You Need a Lawyer After a Car Accident, Even When You’re Blameless
Many people think they don’t need a lawyer when they’re not at fault. They think they can just call up the insurance company, fill out a few forms, and receive a settlement check in the mail.
The reality of filing a claim is much more adversarial and complicated. Even when you aren’t to blame for an accident, you still should use an attorney for a number of reasons.
The Insurance Company May Dispute Your Claim
Even when the fault is clear, the insurance company may try to dispute it and blame you. Insurance companies are businesses, so they will look for any attempt to avoid paying and preserve their profit margins.
Insurance companies may dispute your details of the story or twist your testimony into admissions of fault. A lawyer can present evidence and arguments for your lack of fault and respond to the insurer’s attempts to shift the burden.
You Need to Gather Evidence and Medical Documentation
Even if you’re not at fault, the insurance company won’t take your word for it. You need exhaustive evidence of your injuries and lack of culpability.
A lawyer can conduct an independent investigation of the accident and gather evidence, including:
- Medical bills and records
- Photographic and video evidence
- Eyewitness accounts
- Cell phone records
- Police reports
- Information about traffic and weather
- Traffic citations related to the incident
A lawyer can obtain the relevant evidence and organize it into a compelling narrative to show your lack of fault and the other party’s liability.
It’s Difficult to Calculate Your Losses
When you file an insurance claim, you need to submit records of your accident-related expenses and losses. These can include explicit expenses, such as medical bills, and projected future losses, like a reduced earning potential. It can be hard to account for these long-term losses.
A lawyer can calculate the entire range of your losses, ranging from your immediate costs to far-reaching losses. They can also pursue compensation for your non-economic, psychological losses, like pain and suffering or mental anguish. Failing to properly calculate these losses can prevent you from adequately recovering your losses.
For a free legal consultation, call 844-767-8626
How a Lawyer Can Help You After a Car Accident
A lawyer is an invaluable asset to have after a car accident, no matter the circumstances.
Below are just a few of the benefits you get when you work with a lawyer:
- Legal guidance. A lawyer can provide general advice and guidance, including legal strategy and an assessment of your chances of winning.
- Administrative support. Filing a claim involves a significant amount of paperwork and documentation, and errors can cause delays and complications. A lawyer can ensure you meet all filing requirements and deadlines.
- Negotiation leverage. Insurance companies will likely try to offer a quick, low-ball settlement to get you to drop things. A lawyer can provide effective negotiation leverage when insurers try to undercut your demands.
- Formal litigation. If the insurance company disputes your claim or denies it without a valid reason, a lawyer can pursue formal litigation. A lawsuit can force the insurance company to pay.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?
Many of our clients are hesitant to hire a lawyer because they are worried about the costs. The good news is that most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means they deduct their fee from any final settlement. The upshot is that, if you don’t win the case, you don’t have to pay attorney fees.
This arrangement lets you focus on getting adequate legal representation without stressing about upfront costs. It also incentivizes your lawyer to pursue the maximum possible compensation, so they get the highest possible payment.
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Contact a Car Accident Lawyer From Postman Law
Regardless of whether you’re partially at-fault or totally blameless, Postman Law can be your legal representative after a car accident. Our team has recovered over $3 billion for deserving clients and wants to help you next. We can manage the entirety of your accident claim and fight for justice and closure on your behalf.
Contact our offices online or call today to speak to a car accident lawyer about your case.