Even if you’re an insured driver, you should still hire an auto accident lawyer after a car crash. Even with collision coverage, you may get a higher settlement by fighting with your insurance adjuster. You can only fight with an auto attorney at your corner. Here are four reasons to hire an attorney during a stressful accident.
1. An Auto Accident Lawyer Will Fight For a Bigger Settlement
Working with an attorney can improve your chances of reducing the economic impact of the accident, including lost wages, medical expenses, and pain and suffering. And that can, in fact, be a lot. According to data from the CDC, the cost of medical care and productivity losses associated with occupant injuries and deaths from auto accidents in the U.S. totaled more than $75 billion in 2017, the most recent year available. Since the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimated in 2015 private insurers pay just over half (54%) of all costs, your settlement may be the best opportunity you have to recoup these expenses.
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2. Working With an Attorney Shows You’re Serious.
Do you need a lawyer for a car accident settlement? It certainly helps. Insurance companies have legal counsel to protect their interests in a suit. So, you should, too. Engaging an auto accident lawyer indicates that you are serious about getting fair compensation, including going to court if necessary, which can motivate insurers to see a settlement as a better option.
3. An Auto Accident Lawyer has One Job: Knowing the Law.
It’s important to choose an attorney who specializes in motor vehicle accidents because laws vary between jurisdictions. You want someone on your side who knows the local and case law and how to use it to negotiate settlements or represent you effectively in court. Attorneys can also access data on previous settlements in situations like yours, which helps justify the amount you seek.
4. Working With an Auto Accident Lawyer Keeps You from Hurting Your Own Case.
After a wreck, it’s customary for the at-fault insurance company to contact you for a statement. The words you use to describe the incident can be used against you. In some cases, terms that you think are just words — like “accident” — have specific legal meanings. That’s why the best time to hire an attorney is as soon as possible after the incident.
Is it worth getting an auto accident lawyer? Yes. Even after fees, working with legal counsel can help you get a larger settlement than you would on your own. A local attorney can also give you an approximate auto accident settlement timeline and potential payout amount during a free consultation about your case.
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Margot Lester
Margot Lester is the CEO of The Word Factory, a content marketing agency based in North Carolina that provides services for international healthcare brands, tech companies and SaaS developers. An award-winning business and brand journalist, she writes for daily and weekly newspapers and business journals, national magazines, in-flight publications and leading websites. Margot is also an in-demand writing coach and organizational communications trainer, helping individuals and teams write more effectively. LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/margotlester.
