4 Reasons to Hire an Attorney After a Car Accident
June 23, 2021Every year, millions of car accidents occur on the highways, interstates, rural back roads, and local thoroughfares across the United States. If you’ve ever been in an accident — big or small — you know how difficult and frustrating it can be to navigate the legal and insurance ramifications, especially if another person is responsible for the accident.
That’s why it is essential that when you have been in a car accident that you reach out to an attorney for help. Your attorney will take much of the burden off your plate so that you can concentrate on recovering and getting your life back to normal.
Auto accident attorneys will be able to help you with:
Table of Contents
1. Determine the Cause of the Accident
One of the most important things your attorney can do for you in the face of an auto accident is help investigate the cause of the accident and who is at fault. As part of this process, your attorney may:
- Assess the scene of the accident
- Organize your medical bills and records
- Gather accident or police reports
- Obtain eyewitness statements
- Check nearby traffic cameras for footage of the accident
This process is especially important when it comes to dealing with the insurance agency and should there be criminal charges pending for the at-fault party.
2. Defend You from Debt Collectors
When you have been injured in a car accident, your top priority needs to be recovering, not paying hospital bills. Unfortunately, if you fail to pay, your bills may be sent to debt collection agencies who will act unrelentingly — often with non-stop phone calls and threats — to collect a payment, without care for your health.
When you turn to the services of an attorney, he or she can protect you from these debt collectors based on the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, which outlines what is and is not allowed from these individuals and organizations.
3. Communicate with Your Insurance Agency
Filing an insurance claim can be a grueling process. When you bring an attorney on board, he or she can handle that process for you and streamline the claims process so that it is as swiftly as possible.
They can also navigate the often difficult-to-deal-with line of communication between you and the other driver’s insurance company. This will help to ensure that you do not make any missteps when you speak with the other driver’s insurance.
4. Determine Medical Costs and Expenses
To determine the final amount of insurance claim or a car accident lawsuit settlement, your attorney can calculate how much money you will need now and in the future. Your attorney will determine this number based on several factors, including:
- Lost wages
- Medical expenses
- Future care needs
Your attorney will always have your best interests in mind and when working for this settlement — whether through the insurance company or a lawsuit — he or she will be sure that your settlement is not for any less than the claim is worth. If the insurance agency or other party refuses to negotiate, your attorney will have the ability to move to a trial.
When you hire an attorney after a car accident, it ensures you have an advocate throughout the entire process so that you are treated fairly and get the compensation you deserve.
