Shaaban & Biedgoly

Anyone who has been involved in a car accident may wonder whether they should hire an attorney. While there is legal requirement to getting an attorney after a car accident, having an attorney handle your personal injury claim can be extremely beneficial in protecting your rights. Below are some reasons why hiring a personal injury attorney can be beneficial, the scenarios in which it’s particularly advisable, and what to look for when choosing the right legal representation.

The Complexities of Car Accidents

Car accidents can range from minor fender benders to catastrophic collisions causing severe injuries or even fatalities. Each car accident case involves various legal and procedural issues, including:

Liability: Establishing who is at fault is not always straightforward. Multiple parties could be involved, including other drivers, vehicle manufacturers, or even government entities responsible for road maintenance. Also, there might not be any witnesses or video of the accident. What if you and the other part are pointing the finger at each other? A personal injury attorney can help you overcome the blame game.
Insurance Claims: Dealing with insurance companies can be a daunting and difficult process. Insurance companies generally want to minimize the amount of money they have to pay out for personal injury claims. As a business, this makes sense to maximize profits. Without a personal injury attorney, you might not receive the compensation you deserve.
Medical Evidence: Proving the extent of your injuries requires comprehensive medical documentation. A personal injury attorney can help gather and present this evidence in a way that really highlights the severity of your injuries and how it will continue to affect your life.
Legal Procedures: From filing paperwork to meeting deadlines, the legal procedures in car accident cases can be overwhelming for those unfamiliar with the process. Depending on the state you are in, the party you are suing, and countless other factors, the deadlines associated with pursuing a personal injury claim can vary significantly.

Why You Should Hire an Attorney After a Car Accident

Hiring a personal injury attorney has many advantages including ensuring your rights are protected and maximizing your chances of receiving fair compensation. These advantages include:

Expertise In The Law: Personal injury attorneys specialize in cases like car accidents. They understand the intricacies of the law and can navigate the legal system efficiently.
Accurate Damage Assessment: A personal injury attorney can accurately assess the full extent of your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. The attorney’s objective is to ensure that you are compensated properly for all of your past, current, and future damages.
Negotiation Skills: Personal injury attorneys are skilled negotiators. They will negotiate with the insurance companies on your behalf, countering lowball offers, and arguing for a settlement that properly compensates you for your injuries.
Litigation Support: If your case goes to court, having an attorney is extremely important. They will represent you, present your case persuasively, and handle all legal proceedings.
Contingency Fee Agreements: Most, if not all, personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront. Their fee is a percentage of the settlement you receive at the end of your claim. If the attorney does not secure you a settlement or some form or compensation, then they are not paid. So they have an incentive to fight for the most compensation for your injuries as possible.

Scenarios Where Hiring an Attorney is Crucial

While hiring a personal injury attorney is generally beneficial, some situations make hiring an attorney particularly crucial:

Severe Injuries: If the car accident resulted in serious injuries, long-term disabilities, or significant medical bills, an attorney is important to ensure you receive the proper compensation for ongoing care and lost earning potential.
Disputed Liability: When fault is not clear and contested by the parties, having an attorney can help build a strong case to prove the other party was at fault. An experienced personal injury attorney will use evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and expert testimony.
Complex Cases: Multi-vehicle accidents, accidents involving commercial trucks, accidents involving government property or employees, or accidents with multiple parties at fault can be extremely difficult to keep on track. An experienced personal injury attorney will ensure all of the claims against the various parties will be kept on track and that nothing falls through the cracks.
Uncooperative Insurance Companies: If the insurance company is delaying, denying, or undervaluing your claim, an attorney can step in to advocate for your rights and ensure fair treatment.
Legal Deadline Concerns: Personal injury cases have statutes of limitations, meaning the time you are allowed to file a lawsuit for your injuries or property damage. An attorney will ensure all deadlines are met, preserving your right to seek compensation.

Choosing the Right Personal Injury Attorney

With the large number of attorneys in the world today, how do you choose who is the right attorney for you? Is it the one with the most advertising? The one with no advertising that you heard of from a friend? This decision can be difficult, but should be a personal decision based on your interview of several attorneys. Some tips to consider when choosing a personal injury attorney include:

Experience and Specialization: Look for an attorney with extensive experience in personal injury law, particularly in car accident cases (or the type of case for your specific accident). Specialization ensures they are well-versed in the specific challenges and nuances of your case.
Office Structure: Do you want an attorney that handles your case until the end? Or are you okay with your case being passed around the office throughout the process. Some people want the more personalized, small firm, feeling of representation while others don’t mind working with the large corporate firms that have many people working on a case. Both structures are successful, but you should understand this structure in order to ensure you choose the right firm for you.
Client Reviews and Testimonials: Reading reviews and testimonials from past clients can provide insights into the attorney’s professionalism, communication skills, and overall effectiveness.
Free Consultations: Many personal injury attorneys offer free initial consultations. Use this opportunity to discuss your case, ask questions, and gauge your comfort level with the attorney. Keep in mind, this is not only the time to talk about your accident and injuries but is also your chance to interview the attorney. You have the right to ensure that the attorney and their firm are a right fit for you.
Clear Fee Structure: Ensure you understand the attorney’s fee structure, including their contingency fee percentage and any additional costs that may arise. Transparency and realistic expectations in financial matters is crucial to avoid surprises later.

The Financial Implications of Not Hiring an Attorney

Not hiring a personal injury attorney after a car accident can have significant financial implications, including:

Lower Settlements: Without a personal injury attorney’s negotiation skills, you risk accepting a settlement far lower than what you deserve. Insurance companies often take advantage of unrepresented claimants to minimize payouts.
Uncompensated Damages: Accurately calculating damages requires legal expertise. As mentioned above, your damages include more than just your medical bills. You might overlook some losses that you are entitled payment for, such as future medical expenses or non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
Increased Stress and Time Investment: Being involved in a car accident is already an extremely stressful event. Handling personal injury claim involves considerable time and effort which adds even more stress to your situation. A personal injury attorney can manage all aspects of your case, allowing you to focus on your recovery without added stress.
Risk of Mistakes: Navigating the legal process without an attorney increases the risk of making mistakes, such as missing deadlines or failing to gather necessary evidence. These errors can jeopardize your claim.

How an Attorney Can Help Maximize Your Compensation

A personal injury attorney uses various strategies to maximize your compensation after a car accident, including:

In-Depth Case Evaluation: A personal injury attorney will conduct a detailed assessment of your case, identifying all potential sources of compensation and ensuring no aspect is overlooked.
Gathering Evidence: Attorneys have the resources to collect and preserve important evidence, including accident reports, medical records, expert opinions, and witness statements.
Building a Strong and Convincing Case: By building a compelling narrative backed by solid evidence, an attorney can strengthen your position, whether negotiating a settlement or presenting your case in court. An experienced personal injury attorney will know how to build your case in a way that is difficult for an insurance company to argue with.
Expert Witnesses: In complex cases, attorneys can hire expert witnesses to provide testimony supporting your claims. These experts can offer their professional opinions regarding medical conditions, accident reconstruction, and more.
Handling Legal Procedures: From filing paperwork to attending hearings, an attorney manages all legal procedures, ensuring compliance with court rules and deadlines.

Conclusion: The Value of Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney For Your Car Accident

After a car accident, the decision to hire an attorney can significantly impact your ability to recover the compensation and recovery you are entitled to. A personal injury attorney brings expertise, negotiation skills, and a strong understanding of the legal system, ensuring your rights are protected and your case is handled effectively.

By hiring an attorney, you can focus on your wellbeing and recovery while they manage the complexities of your case. Whether dealing with insurance companies, gathering evidence, or representing you in court, a personal injury attorney is your ally in your pursuit of justice.

If you’ve been involved in a car accident, don’t hesitate to seek legal advice. The sooner you consult with a personal injury attorney, the better your chances of securing the compensation you deserve. Remember, many attorneys offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, making it easier for you to access the legal representation you need without upfront costs.

Also, keep in mind, personal injury attorneys can help you pursue claims for other types of accidents including, motorcycle accidents, bicycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, truck accidents, dog bites, premises liability, Uber/Lyft accidents, brain injuries, and spine injuries.

Don’t let the complexities of personal injury law overwhelm you—hire an attorney to guide you through the process and advocate for the best possible outcome in your case. Contact Shaaban & Biedgoly today for your free consultation.

Should You Hire A Personal Injury Attorney?