Car accidents are stressful events, and the aftermath often involves dealing with insurance companies to settle claims. While it might seem straightforward to handle insurance claims on your own, there are compelling reasons to enlist the help of an attorney.
Insurance policies can be complex. An attorney can help.
Insurance policies are laden with complex legal terms and clauses that can be difficult for most people to fully understand. An experienced attorney can decipher the nuances of these policies, ensuring that you are fully aware of your entitlements. This knowledge is crucial, especially when you are navigating the claims process and seeking fair compensation.
An attorney can negotiate for you.
After an accident, you will typically interact with an insurance adjuster whose primary role is to evaluate the claim and minimize the payout for the insurance company. Adjusters are seasoned negotiators armed with tactics that might lead to a settlement that is less than what you deserve.
You may not have the negotiation skills you need to push back against these challenges. However, experienced attorneys are skilled negotiators who can advocate on your behalf.
An experienced lawyer can help you get a full picture of the damage caused by the accident.
Car accidents can be costly. In fact, the average claim in 2022 totaled 24,211 dollars if that crash resulted in a bodily injury.
While physical damages to your vehicle are obvious, you may overlook other damages such as medical expenses, lost wages and emotional distress. If you experienced harm like a traumatic brain injury, you may not see the symptoms of your injury appear for days or even weeks. An attorney can help identify and quantify these damages to ensure that your claim encompasses all potential impacts of the accident.
The right guidance can help you protect your rights.
Perhaps the most critical reason to hire an attorney is to protect your legal rights throughout the claims process. Insurance companies might propose settlements that are not in your best interest, especially if there are legal nuances that you might not be aware of. An attorney will ensure that your rights are not infringed upon and that the settlement reflects the true value of your claim.
While it is possible to handle insurance claims on your own after a car accident, the benefits of allowing your attorney to deal with the insurance company can be significant. By entrusting this complex task to a knowledgeable professional, you can enjoy peace of mind as you focus on your recovery.