No one ever wants to imagine getting into a car accident, but it happens more often than you would think. The National Center for Statistics and Analysis reported about 16,200 car accidents per day in the United States alone in 2022. Sadly, more than 42,000 people die yearly from car accident-related injuries in this country.
What should you do if you get into a car accident?
If you or your loved one suffered injury in a car crash, and the other party was negligent, you need the right legal professional in your corner.
Here are four good reasons to contact a car accident attorney:
Fair Treatment and the Avoidance of Lowball Settlements
Dealing with insurance companies can be complicated for the layperson, and these companies don’t like paying out claims. The odds are that insurance adjusters will underbid you for the damage following your car accident and encourage you to accept the lowest settlement possible.
You need a highly skilled personal injury attorney to level the playing field. They will represent your best interests, handle all the claim details and negotiate with the insurance adjuster to get you fair compensation. Many attorneys work on a contingency basis, which means you don’t have any upfront cost and the attorney’s fees result from your settlement with the insurance company.
Protection Against Waiving Rights, Surprise Medical Expenses
If you proceed without legal representation after your car accident, you could be giving your rights away before you’ve healed from the crash. For instance, settling quickly with an insurance company could leave you with a pile of surprise medical bills.
Often, people who have been in car accidents believe they’re fine as they walk away with a few bruises. However, injuries don’t always appear right away. It’s essential to undergo a medical exam following the crash to determine if there were injuries to the internal organs or the spinal column.
Medical expenses can add up, including ambulance fees, physical therapy, psychological counseling, healthcare evaluations and more. Protect yourself with a knowledgeable car accident attorney.
Compensation for Expenses and Pain and Suffering Damages
Most car accident victims usually think that medical expenses are the only kind of claim available to them. However, personal injury lawsuits can cover other key areas that entitle you to benefits, and a legal expert in this practice can help guide you gather the necessary evidence.
For instance, some people suffer from lost wages after a car accident making it challenging to return to a normal routine. Perhaps you had to miss three weeks of work due to mobility issues post-car crash. Hiring the right lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve.
Pain and suffering are other damages you may seek. Physical pain and emotional suffering are real, and they are things you can’t put a price on. Pain and suffering can affect the value of your claim. That’s why a seasoned personal injury lawyer can help determine the proper amount of compensation for you.
Pain and suffering can include broken bones, inflamed tissue, nerve damage, paralysis to anxiety, depression, insomnia, change in personality, post-traumatic stress disorder and other issues.
The Building of a Strong, Legal Argument on the Victim’s Behalf
Proving who is negligent after a car accident injury isn’t always so simple. The other party involved may try to shift the blame onto you. An experienced car accident attorney will navigate the system with a thorough investigation, collect crucial evidence from multiple sources and build a strong claim on your behalf.
A car accident can occur in mere seconds, and the aftermath can be traumatic. A car accident attorney can guide you through the legal process with sensitivity and understanding.