An auto accident attorney can help you in a number of important ways if you have been the victim of a car accident. In addition, because most auto accident attorneys work on a contingent fee basis, your attorney gets paid only if you win your case and you get paid... this means you have very little to lose and a lot to gain from hiring an auto accident attorney.
Your attorney can explain the rules of your state to you
Some states are no fault states, which means you are not permitted to sue unless your injuries are "serious." Each state has a slightly different definition of the word serious in terms of when you can sue, but usually it means that your injuries are debilitating or permanent in some way. In other states, this distinction between serious and minor injuries matters less legally, since you can sue under any circumstances. As such, it is important to know the rules of your state.
Your attorney can act as your advocate
Whether you are trying to collect from your own insurance company or from the other person's insurance company, the insurance company is a lot more experienced at the claims process than most people are. They also have a different goal than you do- you want full recovery and they want to minimize the payout and protect their bottom line. Since they will have lawyers and experts helping them, you should too.
Your attorney is bound by a code of ethics to put your interests first and to act ethically on your behalf and towards you. It is invaluable to have an experienced and professional advocate in your corner when trying to protect your rights.
Your attorney can evaluate a settlement offer
Many personal injury auto insurance cases settle out of court. This means the insurance company may make you an offer. If you accept, then you give up your right to sue- but you get a guaranteed payout. Your attorney can review what is being offered and compare that to what you might get if you went to court. Looking at the strength of your case and other verdicts in similar cases, your auto accident attorney can then give you educated advice about whether to settle.
Your attorney can file and prove your lawsuit
If you do decide to sue, there is a lot that goes into filing properly and building your case. Your attorney can take care of all the technical work for you, complying with court rules and gathering evidence to convince the jury you are entitled to win.
Getting legal help
Trying to go it alone after an auto accident is a shortsighted move that can cost you big time. Make sure you have an experienced and professional car accident attorney to protect your rights and help you get the damages to which you may be entitled under the law.
