Attorneys Answer: When Do You Need to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?
If you are a victim of a car accident due to the fault of others; you will need a lawyer to file a claim. But a lawyer performs many roles before and during the case, and until it is resolved in your favor.
Here attorneys answer when you need to hire a car accident lawyer.
To get clarity on the case –
Auto accident cases can get tricky as there are several aspects to consider. Seldom are the cases straightforward when only the negligent driver can be blamed for the accident.
Perhaps the negligent driver is an underage teenager? So, will the parents be held accountable in this case?
Perhaps a certain vehicle component was faulty; causing the accident. Will the claim be against the auto part manufacturer?
Perhaps the driver was overworked and caused the accident due to sheer fatigue. Will the employer be held accountable?
There can be a number of such scenarios to consider. It may so happen that you think the other driver was at fault but perhaps he wasn’t really to be blamed.
Only a lawyer can answer these questions. So, if you are the victim of a car accident, which you think is due to the fault of another; you need to hire a lawyer without delay. Also know that auto accident laws can differ from state to state. So, search for a lawyer online using your location and requirement in the keyword; such as car accident lawyer Joliet IL.
To calculate the payout amount –
Several factors go into calculating the compensation for the claim. Your lawyer will consider all aspects related to your case to arrive at a just figure.
Things to consider –
– Nature of your injuries, disability or not (temporary or permanent)
– Current and future medical expenses
– Future treatment requirements for physiotherapy or depression (mental disorders are common for victims)
– Current and future loss of income
– Expenses such as for transportation (if you can’t drive due to your injuries), hiring a nurse, etc.
– Mental, emotional, and psychological distress to the victims and their families.
You can’t just imagine a figure and file a claim. You need to support it via hard facts and evidence. Only a lawyer can help you with it.
To file the claim –
Before you can file a claim, your lawyer will not only calculate the payout amount but also collect evidence related to your case. Your lawyer will visit the accident site and gather evidence that can favor your case. The lawyer will try to find witnesses and record their statements.
The lawyer will also speak with your medical team and other experts to determine the extent and nature of your injuries and how they affect your health as well as employment and financial situations.
When everything is in order, the lawyer will file the claim.
To negotiate on your behalf –
Negotiations related to claims can get nasty and stressful. The at-fault party’s insurers and lawyers can bully you into accepting low compensation if you are without representation. Insurers can be ruthless. It’s the nature of their job.
When you hire a lawyer, he or she will take care of the negotiations and you will not need to worry about it. You can focus on your recovery. The other party’s representatives will try their best to get your lawyer to withdraw the claim or at least lower the payout amount. But car accident lawyers are used to such tactics. They can hold their own during negotiations with other lawyers and insurers.
To take the case to trial –
On rare occasions, negotiations can fail. The other party can be stubborn and decide to not pay compensation. They can also try to sabotage the case by not playing by the book. In such cases, you can hire the lawyer to take the case to trial. The lawyer will file the paperwork for the same.
The lawyer will get the witnesses to appear in court and testify in your favor. The lawyer will request experts to come and support your case by presenting the facts in court. The lawyer will ensure that there is no foul play by the other party.