Following a vehicle collision, you might be asking yourself if you need a lawyer for your car accident case. While it is true that the other driver’s insurance company should pay for your damages, recovering the compensation you deserve can be more challenging than you might expect.
If you have sustained bodily injuries or property damage in a motor vehicle accident, it may be in your best interest to seek out an attorney right away. Your legal counsel could advise you on your chances of pursuing a personal injury claim, address any potential liability you might face, and assist with the insurance claims process. Most importantly, an attorney could help you hold the insurance companies responsible and assist you with recovering the compensation you deserve.
Although many car accidents result in minimal damage, that is not always the case. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Americans spend a total of 1 million days in the hospital per year due to car accident injuries. The cost of these accidents is not only measured in injuries, though. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that the economic impact of car accidents is approximately $1 trillion each year.
The Risks of Handling Your Own Car Accident Claim
If you have no interest in pursuing a car accident claim, it follows that you would not need the guidance of legal counsel. However, if you are considering pursuing an injury claim on your own, there are some significant risks involved. These risks might not be immediately apparent, either.
Insurance companies frequently reach out with settlement offers immediately following a severe accident. These offers do not always represent the true value of the claim, however. Instead, an insurance company may make a low offer in the hopes of wrapping up a settlement as quickly as possible. This can become an issue if you do not understand the full value of your claim.
When an attorney gets involved in an injury claim, he or she can help you determine the true value of your case. This includes adding up all of your monetary damages, including lost wages and medical bills, in addition to non-monetary losses like pain and suffering. With this information, an attorney can help you negotiate for a better settlement.
Weak settlement offers are not the only risk you might face when dealing directly with the insurance company. The adjusters hired by the other insurance company will also likely seek a recorded statement from you if possible. It is the responsibility of these adjusters to look for inconsistencies in your claim and determine if you contributed to the accident in any way. In worst-case scenarios, this could lead to the insurance company denying your claim.
There are legal deadlines that could also put your claim in jeopardy. Every plaintiff must abide by the state’s statute of limitations. If this deadline expires, you can miss out on any chance of pursuing a compensation claim. Your attorney can help ensure you file your claim long before the statute of limitations runs out.
For a free legal consultation, call (972) 535-6377
The Value of a Risk-Free Consultation
The good news is that many injury attorneys will review your claim without any risk or financial commitment on your end. During your free consultation, a lawyer can help you determine if you have enough evidence to pursue damages. Personal injury attorneys frequently operate on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing unless they secure compensation for you.
Your attorney can fill several roles on your behalf when taking on your case. Mainly, he or she can serve as your advocate, speaking with the insurance companies so you do not have to. A lawyer can also negotiate for you and pursue legal action when the insurance company does not offer a fair settlement.
Since you do not have to pay anything upfront, hiring legal representation can allow you to focus on your recovery without giving up your right to compensation.
You May Be Entitled to Financial Compensation After a Motor Vehicle Accident
Whether or not you need a lawyer for your car accident case is ultimately your call. If you believe your case is straightforward enough to handle, you can attempt to secure a fair settlement on your own. However, there is always a chance that the insurance company may not offer all the damages you deserve.
The Underwood Law Office team will face down the insurance companies to fight for you. Contact the Underwood Law Office today to schedule your free consultation by calling (972) 535-6377.
Call or text (972) 535-6377 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
