Car accidents are rarely a result of “just luck” – they usually involve one or more parties at fault. Insurance companies are notoriously shady and will do everything they can to devalue your claim. You may be entitled to recover both economic and non-economic damages. These can include your medical bills, future anticipated costs, lost wages, and the value of your property.
Collecting Evidence
A lawyer can gather critical information for your claim that you may have missed in the panic of an accident. Examples include:
- The name and contact information of any witnesses.
- The police report from the crash.
- Photos of your vehicle damage and injuries.
You can get a car crash lawyer who can also collect documents that establish your medical condition and the severity of your injuries. This will help bolster your claim for future expected medical costs and loss of earnings. It will also support your claim for non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, which are difficult to assign a number to. Your lawyer will also find physical evidence that shows the other driver’s negligence. This may include skid marks, damage to your car’s bumper or body, and any debris that caused the accident. They can also rely on testimony from you and your family to prove that your injuries have altered your life. This can be used to argue for additional damages, called punitive damages.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Depending on your case, it could take up to 4 or 5 months from complete record collection until you receive a fair settlement offer. This is because insurance companies often fight hard to reduce your compensation award. They are for-profit businesses with a financial incentive to pay you less than your claim is worth. They may even hire investigators to monitor your social media accounts and watch you around town for signs that you aren’t as injured as you say. Car accident lawyers know how to get the most money for your claim. They will review your medical records to gain a complete understanding of your injuries and the expenses you have incurred, then send the insurance company a demand letter outlining all of this information. They can also address issues like the presence of pre-existing medical conditions that were made worse by the accident.
Filing a Claim
Car accident lawyers are experienced in filing and prosecuting car accident cases. This includes working with insurance companies to file a claim and collecting the necessary documents to build your case. A lawyer can also prevent you from saying anything that could be used against your claim or give them ammunition to deny it. A lawyer will help you build a solid financial case that considers all your current and future costs related to the crash, such as medical treatment, lost earnings, property damage, and pain and suffering. They can even pursue compensation for replacing your vehicle if it was damaged in the crash. Your attorney will estimate any future medical expenses you may incur and other losses to prove that you deserve the maximum available settlement. They can even pursue punitive damages if the other driver’s actions were found to be incredibly negligent or willful. This is another reason why they are well worth the fee you pay for their services.
Dealing with Court
Car accident attorneys can assist in calculating how much compensation should be awarded for damages caused by your collision. Under the no-fault law, victims can seek recovery of compensation for medical bills, household services, transportation to and from doctors’ offices, as well as lost wages up to their insurance coverage limit. Insurance companies who know their claimant has retained legal representation may attempt to reduce the amount they owe by delaying the claims process. However, a skilled car accident lawyer can use their skillset to counter these tactics and minimize liability payments for their client. Even collisions that result in minor property damage can cost thousands in repair costs; an experienced car accident lawyer knows how to prove them. You may also be entitled to non-economic damages such as emotional distress and loss of quality of life compensation; their expertise will allow you to explain this claim before the judge and jury in your case.
