Do You Need a Lawyer to Handle an Accident Claim?
While it’s not required for anyone to hire a lawyer after an accident claim, it is always a good idea. Those who are navigating this process on their own may have a range of issues to deal with, and it’s harder to handle everything when they’re already dealing with the aftermath and recovery from the accident. There are a lot of ways a lawyer can help.
Help With Filing the Claim
After the accident, it’s going to be necessary to file a claim with the insurance company. A lawyer like those at Howe Law Injury & Accident Lawyers can help with filling out the claim to make sure it’s accurate and complete. They’ll also help with avoiding admitting fault inadvertently and can ensure the claim is filed before any potential deadlines. This helps to ensure the person has the help they need to get this done even if they’re still recovering from their injuries so they don’t miss out on a settlement.
Help Answering Questions
The victim is likely going to have to talk to the at-fault party’s insurance company to answer questions about what happened and how the accident occurred. It is very important to answer these questions carefully, as what is said can be taken out of context or used against the victim to limit the amount of money paid by the insurance company. Saying something that admits fault can even prevent the victim from getting any settlement. A lawyer can help their client answer these questions to avoid potential issues.
Help Proving Fault
It may be necessary to prove who is liable for the accident, as it isn’t always easy to tell at first glance. The liable party is the one responsible for paying compensation to the victim of the accident, so it is crucial to determine who is liable and who to sue if needed to force a settlement. A lawyer can help show how the accident happened and explain who is at fault for the accident, as well as gather evidence to help if the case goes to court.
Help Gathering Evidence
Gathering evidence is necessary to show how the accident occurred, what injuries the victim sustained, and more. It is important to gather evidence like medical bills or estimates to repair the vehicle. The lawyer can help with gathering evidence, too, such as witness statements or police reports. This all helps to show fault and to prove the amount of money needed for the victim to financially recover from the accident.
Help Increasing Potential Settlement
The liable party’s insurance company will attempt to settle for the lowest amount possible, but that may mean the victim has to pay for some expenses out of pocket. Instead, when they work with a lawyer, they can receive a much higher settlement that covers all expenses that occurred because of the accident, including lost wages, lawyer’s fees, and more.
If you’ve been in a car accident, contact a lawyer today to learn more about how they can help you. Take the time to set up a consultation so you can get advice for handling your car accident and learn what they can do to help you get a higher settlement and avoid paying anything out of pocket. They are there to help you through this.
