If you have been involved in an automobile accident that has left you injured, the other party may be responsible for some or all of your injuries if they had any or all of the fault in the accident. It is not uncommon to wonder if you should hire an attorney to represent you. Understanding what a car accident lawyer can do for you can help you to determine the value in hiring one. Read on to discover all the different ways hiring a lawyer can be beneficial to you following a car accident.
A Lawyer Can Help You Determine If You Have a Case
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When you have an automobile accident, you may not be aware of all the rights that you may have and whether you have a case or not. It is strongly advised that you consult with a lawyer as quickly as possible after an accident and explore what options you have with regard to an automobile accident lawsuit. A lawyer will walk you through the checklist that must be met in order to file a claim and advise you on the challenges you may face in regard to the specific details of your case. Each circumstance and each accident is different. With the help of a lawyer, you can determine whether you have a compensable case and whether it is in your best interest to move forward with the case.
An Attorney Can Help Obtain Evidence Following a Car Accident
An attorney can help you obtain evidence following your car accident. Following a car accident, there is a lot of key evidence that needs to be collected as quickly as possible. Some of this key evidence may include writing down or videoing your statement. Your memory fades over time, so getting this in writing or recorded in some form as quickly as possible can help to ensure you remember very specific details. An attorney will also work to talk to witnesses as soon as possible, because their memory can also fade with time. Obtaining video from nearby residences or businesses is also important evidence to collect. A video doesn’t forget and it doesn’t lie, so it can be invaluable to proving your case. Finally, an attorney can work to obtain any police reports or accident reports that may have been made following the collision.
An Attorney Can Help You With the Insurance Company
Dealing with an insurance company may appear to be a straightforward task on the surface, but it can actually be challenging. An insurance company is looking to protect their interests, not yours. As such, they may ask you questions that are confusing or try to get you to admit some fault, even if you did not have any. An attorney can give you tips on how to talk to the insurance company, or they can advise the insurance company not to contact you, but to contact you instead. If you get letters from the insurance company that you may not understand, an attorney can help you to understand what the letter means, and what, if any, actions you need to take in regard to the letter.
A Lawyer Can File Your Court Case and Serve It On Parties
One of the most overlooked services a lawyer’s office provides is filing and serving court documents. A lawyer will fill out all court documents, ensuring they are filled out properly and filed with the court in a timely manner. This is important because if there are errors on your court forms, the case may not be properly filed with the courts. If your case is not filed before the statute of limitations expires, you lose the right to bring a case against the other party. Once the papers are filed, the law firm will ensure they are served on the appropriate party. A case can be thrown out or can be delayed if the serving process is not done correctly, so having someone who does the work for you can be invaluable.
An Attorney Will Work to Bring Your Case to a Resolution
Lastly, a lawyer will assist you in valuing your case. Most people who do not have a lawyer do not know how to properly value your claim, and they settle for less. Studies have shown that having a lawyer can net you a much higher settlement or award. Each case has different circumstances and different medical treatments. As such, the value for current and future medical costs change from case to case. Your attorney will take an overall assessment and determine what a fair value for your case is. They will then work to negotiate with the appropriate parties to get you a fair settlement. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, they can take your case to trial to help you get an award for the money you deserve.
A car accident that injures you can forever change your life. You may have loads of medical expenses, pain and suffering and permanent injuries or disfigurement. A personal injury lawyer, also referred to as a car accident lawyer, can help you file a lawsuit against the party or parties responsible for your accident, helping you to recover money for lost wages, past and future medical expenses, and the permanent injuries you suffered. Reach out to us at the Law Office of Joel A. Levine to get started.
Looking to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit? Contact the Law Office of Joel A. Levine
Call (512) 982-1510 today to schedule a consultation or request a free case evaluation. We look forward to helping you with your personal injury case.
