Why You Should Never Handle a Car Accident Claim Without an Attorney

Car accidents can be traumatizing and often lead to severe injuries. Documenting your injuries and all the accident details is critical to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
An attorney can help determine if seeking non-economic damages, like pain and suffering, is appropriate.
You Don’t Have All the Information
When you’re in a car accident, your mind is probably racing with questions like, “Is everyone ok?” and, “How bad was the damage?” After checking on anyone involved in the crash and getting them to safety, gathering information as soon as possible is crucial.
For example, get the police report from the scene and request a copy of any medical records for injuries you suffered. Also, look around for surveillance cameras or witnesses that recorded the incident.
A car accident attorney can collect this crucial evidence and prepare a demand letter that illustrates the full scope of your losses. This can increase your chances of a fair settlement from the insurer. Additionally, they can act as your representative and handle negotiations with your insurance company, making it easier to navigate the typical hurdles of filing a car accident claim.
You Don’t Know Your Rights
Car accidents can be frightening and confusing, especially when you are injured. When you’re not feeling well, there are numerous important decisions to make and details to comprehend.
After a crash, it’s typical for symptoms not to appear right away, so it’s crucial to seek medical attention promptly. Injuries can be severe and may cause you to miss work, so it is essential to calculate all of your expenses.
When you hire a lawyer, they can assist you in identifying your losses and ensuring that they are accurately reflected in any settlement proposal. They also understand the laws governing legal responsibility and will be able to determine who should be held accountable for your accident.
You Don’t Have the Time
You may have many questions in a car accident and deal with an unfamiliar situation. You have expenses, injuries, and property damage and are still determining the future.
A lawyer has the experience to know what questions to ask and will collect the necessary information from you at the accident scene. They can also thoroughly investigate the crash’s circumstances and locate any relevant lost or destroyed evidence.
An insurance adjuster will want to take your statement right away. It’s best to leave that to a lawyer who can question the adjuster and ensure that nothing is said that could jeopardize your case. They can also go over all documents to ensure that nothing is agreed to that shouldn’t be.
You Don’t Have the Money
Car accident victims often struggle with medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses. Many people settle their claims quickly to get the money they need.
This is a mistake. An attorney can negotiate a better settlement and get you more money. They will also ensure that all expenses are included in the claim and that nothing is agreed to that shouldn’t be.
Before signing any release from the insurance company, it is best to have your attorney review it. These extensive releases allow the insurance adjusters access to all your medical records, including those from prior incidents. This can drastically impact your claim. You must only sign a medical release that includes information related to the incident.
You Don’t Have the Experience
Car accidents can be confusing and terrifying. They can also leave you injured with medical bills, lost wages, and permanent physical damage.
Trying to settle a claim while recovering from your injuries is more than most people can handle. It’s even more complicated when insurance companies start calling with questions. You may receive a settlement offer from the other party involved in your accident. While it may initially seem reasonable, it may only partially cover some of the expenses and losses you incurred from the incident.
Car accident attorneys have experience negotiating with insurance companies. Experienced individuals know the appropriate compensation to request for pain and suffering and use specific formulas to calculate a fair dollar amount. Without this expertise, making errors that could impact the final settlement is possible.