To hire an attorney or not to hire an attorney? After an unfortunate car accident, you may be wondering whether hiring an attorney is the best move to make. You’re not required to have an attorney to handle a car accident claim, but you’ll soon find out they offer you the best chance at the best outcome.
The car accident claim process is frustrating. Luckily, you don’t have to go through it alone.
How a Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
The very first step to take after contacting your insurance company is hiring an accident lawyer. An attorney can provide legal help when you truly need it most. They can handle all aspects of your claim—even the parts most people dislike.
An Attorney Will Communicate with Your Insurance Company
Your attorney will handle all communication with the insurance companies so you don’t have to. Your insurance company and the other driver’s insurance company will play huge roles after a car accident. All the communication back and forth can have anyone feeling stressed, but if you have a car accident attorney, they will take over communications with insurers.
A Lawyer Will Engage in Settlement Negotiations
One of the most important things your car accident attorney will do is evaluate your case and calculate damages. Without an attorney, you may be unsure of how much compensation you may recover after an accident. Insurance companies are always looking to settle as soon as possible, usually providing low settlement offers. An individual without an attorney may not know better and accept the first settlement offer they receive. However, having an attorney will help ensure you’re not left with an unfair settlement. Your attorney will fight for fair compensation.
What You Should Avoid Doing After a Car Accident
After an accident, you might be confused about what you should and shouldn’t do. There are certain things you should avoid doing but may be unaware of without an attorney.
Never Give a Recorded Statement
At some point, the other driver’s insurance company will want to speak with you. They will try to contact you to ask questions and get your version of events. It is crucial you turn down any invitations to give a recorded statement. Insurance companies look for ways to limit liability, often using your own recorded statement against you. If an insurance company comes calling, you can simply say, “I do not feel comfortable speaking to you without my attorney,” and let your attorney handle the rest.
Don’t Automatically Accept a Settlement Offer
As stated above, insurance companies try to settle as soon as possible. This task is often made easier when the other party does not have legal representation. Many times, an individual will be completely unaware of how much compensation they deserve and what a fair settlement offer would look like. An attorney will engage in settlement negotiations with the insurance company and won’t settle until they get the most suitable settlement for you.
Is It Worth Hiring a Car Accident Attorney?
More often than not, you will find having a car accident attorney will be worth it in the end. While you are not legally required to hire a lawyer and can handle your claim entirely on your own, you will likely have a better outcome with an attorney. The goal is a swift resolution with fair compensation, and your attorney is the best person to help you get there.
After a car accident, do not hesitate to contact an accident lawyer. The sooner you seek help and get started on your claim, the better.
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