Most people are familiar with car accident attorneys, even if only from television advertising, media, and the like. If you've never needed a car accident lawyer before, it can be difficult to determine when you might actually benefit from one. After an accident, it's in your best interest to understand when a car accident lawyer might help you with your situation. Here's a look at some of the circumstances when hiring a car accident lawyer is definitely in your best interest.
The Insurance Company Isn't Being Cooperative
The responsible party's insurance company will typically reach out to you fairly quickly following your accident. Remember that their insurance company's goal isn't to compensate you for your injuries and losses, but instead to settle the claim for as little money as possible or to deny the claim when they can.
As a result, many insurance companies will approach the process from a doubtful perspective. They may try to call your account into question or find a way to put the responsibility on you. Further, you might find that they aren't willing to negotiate a settlement amount beyond a small initial settlement offer.
If you feel as though the insurance company isn't being cooperative, you should reach out to a car accident lawyer so that you have someone in your corner who is working for your best interests. Your lawyer can put pressure on the insurance company to settle your case or can help you take the case to court if necessary to ensure that you get the restitution that you're owed.
Additionally, if the insurance company asks you for a recorded statement, reach out to a lawyer first so that you have representation before you even consider putting any statement on the record.
The Extent Of Your Injuries Is Still Undetermined
Another important time when you should reach out to a car accident lawyer for your case is if the extent of your injuries is still in question. If you've been receiving treatment but find that you still have persistent pain or unexplained symptoms, you'll want to reach out to a car accident lawyer before trying to negotiate your settlement.
A car accident lawyer will have the experience to help you determine how much cases like yours typically settle for, which gives you an idea of how much you can ask for when you file your claim.
Additionally, your lawyer will be able to help you find medical experts who can testify to your medical condition, expected recovery percentage, and the forecasted cost of your treatments.
The Medical Bills Are Costly
Depending on the nature and severity of your injuries, you may face costly medical bills. Whether you undergo surgery, have long-term therapy ahead of you, or need any other significant treatments, the medical bills can add up rapidly, especially if you don't have medical insurance to help offset those costs.
This can leave you feeling financially overwhelmed, and those bills can also affect your credit standing. For that reason, it's important that you reach out to a car accident lawyer as soon as possible if you're facing extensive medical care. They can help you to pursue reimbursement for those costs from the responsible party.
The Accident Has Affected Your Life
Some accidents cause injuries that affect your life more drastically than others. If you are facing a changed life due to mobility issues, an inability to return to work, or any other lasting damage or injury, it's important that you work with a car accident lawyer to handle your case.
Trying to negotiate a case like this on your own could leave you settling for far less than you might be entitled to. Your lawyer will have the skills and knowledge to fight not only for compensation to cover your expenses, but they can also seek punitive damages as well as pain and suffering or loss of use compensation.
If you need help after an accident, contact a local car accident lawyer.
