How Can a Lawyer Help Me After a Car Accident?
Following a car accident, you are not required to hire a lawyer to file a claim. Though this is extremely difficult and overwhelming, you are entitled to represent yourself. Countless studies have shown that people representing themselves in car accident claims receive far less compensation than those who retain an experienced lawyer.
If you are injured in a car accident caused by another driver, it is best to consult a lawyer as soon as possible to help you build a strong case from the beginning. Typically, the sooner you retain legal representation, the better, even if your injuries are minor. Injuries and damages are often more severe than they initially seem. Listed below are other ways a knowledgeable car accident lawyer can help.
Investigate the Accident
An experienced lawyer will investigate all potential contributing factors leading to the accident. There are often multiple factors, such as driver distraction or poor road conditions. Your lawyer knows what evidence to gather.
Handle Insurance Adjusters
Insurance adjusters often look for any reason to reject or minimize compensation for legitimate claims. Any information you provide can be used against you for that purpose. Allowing your lawyer to handle correspondence with the adjuster reduces the risk of your statements being misconstrued and increases the likelihood of maximum compensation.
Determine Liability
Determining fault is crucial in car accident cases. Your lawyer is experienced at determining who is responsible and how to calculate the full extent of your damages, including medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, future medical expenses, and other related costs.
Calculate Damages
Insurance companies want to minimize the amount of claims they must pay, almost always offering a far less initial settlement offer than your claim is worth in hopes you will accept it and forfeit your right to sue for additional damages. Your lawyer is well-versed in these tactics and is experienced in calculating what your claim is truly worth. Your damages may include the following:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Vehicle damage
- In-home care
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Rehabilitation
- Reduced earning capacity
Negotiate With Insurance Companies
Insurance companies are interested in minimizing the number of claims they must pay and almost always make a far lower initial offer than the claim is worth in hopes that you will accept it and sign over your right to sue for additional damages. Your lawyer is well-versed in this tactic and skilled at negotiating maximum compensation for your injuries and financial losses.
Protect Your Rights
You have rights in a personal injury case. Your car accident lawyer is your advocate, charged with protecting those rights and ensuring that opposing parties do not take advantage of you, attempt to blame you, or pressure you to accept an inadequate settlement.
Represent You in Court
If negotiations fail, your lawyer is prepared to take the case to trial, represent your interests, present evidence, and argue your case before a judge or jury.
Handle Debt Collectors
Serious injuries often lead to a temporary ability to work and extensive medical treatment. Over time, loss of income and mounting expenses create financial hardship. Your lawyer can deal directly with the hospital or debt collector, inform them of pending claims, and work to arrange settlement liens, payment schedules, or even reduced bills.
Reduce Stress
Dealing with the aftermath of an accident can be taxing, especially when also trying to focus on recovery. Hiring an experienced car accident lawyer alleviates some of your stress and burden, allowing you to focus on recovery.
Our Skilled Vernon Car Accident Lawyers at the Law Offices of Jason L. McCoy, LLC Represent Clients Injured by Negligent Drivers
If you were injured in a car accident, you do not have to navigate the legal process alone. Our experienced Vernon car accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Jason L. McCoy, LLC can help. Contact us online or call us at 860-872-7741 today for a free consultation. Located in Vernon, New Haven, and Waterbury, Connecticut, we serve clients in Tolland County, New Haven County, and Hartford County.