It is almost always worth getting an attorney for a car accident, even when your losses are relatively minor. A car accident lawyer can provide useful administrative support and negotiation leverage during the insurance claim process. A lawyer can also conduct an independent investigation to resolve disputes.
In short, a car accident lawyer can expedite the insurance process and maximize the amount of money you recover. Time is limited for car accident lawsuits, so you shouldn’t delay calling a legal professional.
What You Get When You Hire a Lawyer
Below are the main ways you benefit when you hire a car accident lawyer:
- Administrative support. A lawyer can provide useful administrative support and handle all the paperwork and documents. They can file your claim on time and respond to any requests for additional information.
- Investigative skills. A lawyer can also perform a parallel investigation into the accident. They can gather physical evidence of the crash and documents like your medical records. A lawyer can also coordinate with expert witnesses and accident reconstructionists.
- Negotiation leverage. Perhaps most importantly, a lawyer can provide invaluable negotiation leverage during insurance talks. A lawyer can present your demands for compensatory damages and present evidence and arguments in your favor.
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Benefits of Working With an Attorney After a Car Accident
There are several benefits of working with an attorney after a car accident. Below are the most relevant:
Legal Knowledge
Lawyers have specific legal knowledge and will be able to parse the details of your case and extract the important legal aspects. A lawyer can also answer any questions you may have about car accident liability and the process of filing an insurance claim.
Customized Strategy
A lawyer will have the experience necessary to adapt to the specifics of your case. They will help create a unique strategy to pursue your losses that is sensitive to your legal circumstances.
Legal Representation
More generally, a lawyer will give you legal representation while dealing with insurance claims. They can look out for your interests and protect you from insurance tactics attempting to take advantage of you.
Will a Lawyer Get Me a Higher Settlement?
It’s impossible to predict beforehand how much you will receive from any given settlement. However, there is evidence that working with a lawyer can result in higher amounts than not working with one.
According to a widely cited survey from Nolo, individuals who used a personal injury lawyer for their lawsuits were more than 40% more likely to receive a payout. Additionally, individuals who used legal representation recovered an average of $60,000 more.
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Cost of Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer
Many people are hesitant to search for an attorney because they are worried about the cost. The good news is that you don’t have to pay up front to secure a personal injury lawyer. Most accident lawyers operate in a contingency fee structure.
This means that, if your lawyer doesn’t win your case, they don’t take a fee, and you don’t have to pay them. This way, you can focus on getting competent lawyers without worrying about footing an upfront bill. Your lawyer will also be incentivized to pursue the highest possible settlement.
The typical attorney’s fee is between 33% and 40% of the final settlement. Some lawyers have a flat fee or a sliding fee depending on case value. Lawyers may also charge more if the case goes to trial as opposed to settling before litigation.
What Happens if I Don’t Use a Lawyer?
If you don’t use a lawyer, you can save money by not having to pay an attorney’s fee. However, you are also facing several risks, such as:
- Lowball settlements. Without a lawyer, it’s much easier for insurance companies to bully you into a lowball settlement. A lawyer can push back against lowball offers and help you recover full and fair compensation.
- Miscalculated damages. It can be hard to calculate the full extent of your losses if you don’t know what to look for. A lawyer can also argue more forcefully for non-economic damages.
- Administrative burden. Without a lawyer, you’ll have to handle the entire administrative burden of filing an insurance claim. Mistakes can set you back and cause delays.
- Missing deadlines. You need to meet several filing requirements and deadlines when filing a claim. A lawyer can help you meet these timelines.
Contact a Car Accident Attorney from Postman Law
Regardless of the type of accident you’ve been in, you need to talk to a lawyer to give you the best chances of a successful resolution. The team from Postman Law can be your advocate and defend your rights and interests when filing a claim. We have a deep understanding of car accident law and will use every strategy to secure victory.
Contact our offices online or give us a call today to discuss your case with a car accident attorney from Postman Law.