Research from the National Safety Council (NSC) states that there are over 200 million licensed drivers in the United States, and roughly two million auto accidents occur annually. When you have been involved in one of these incidents, it can be useful to determine whether it is worthwhile hiring an attorney to help hold the liable parties to account. Learn more about how to determine the answer to “Should I get a lawyer for a car accident claim or can I represent myself?” and learn how an Atlanta car accident attorney from Hall & Lampros, LLP, a firm with over six decades of trial experience, may be able to assist with your claim by visiting their website and calling (404) 876-8100.
Why Do I Need an Accident Lawyer?
The at fault driver and the driver’s insurance company will immediately begin trying to reduce their liability once they have notice of the accident. Even the most minor car accident can be complicated. A lawyer is important to:
- Secure evidence quickly to prove your case
- Assist with securing experts to prove your case and establish causation of injuries
- Advise you on communicating to insurers and defendants
- Advise you on medical issues
- Assist you relating to handling medical expenses
- Advise you on the value of your claims
- Assist with property damage valuation and resolution
- Assist in reducing liens relating to a settlement
- Help you get the highest possible recovery in the quickest amount of time.
Securing Evidence: Video, cell phone, and auto “black box” data are often important evidence that needs to be secured by a lawyer. This evidence can make the difference between winning or losing a case. It is important to secure such evidence before it is destroyed or lost.
Experts: Your lawyer should have a team of experts relating to your specific type of case and injuries. The best lawyers know and work with the best experts.
Dealing with Insurers and Defendants: You need someone who can effectively advocate for you and who has dealt with insurers and defendants before on your type of case. Your lawyers reputation also is important to secure the top dollar from insurers and defendants.
Medical Issues: Your lawyer needs to understand and have experience addressing your medical issues and explaining such issues to juries. Without a good understanding of the medical issues, your lawyer cannot effectively advocate for the highest dollar.
Medical Expenses: Lawyers need to assist in getting payments for medical expenses, working with healthcare providers on outstanding bills, and reducing medical bills and liens.
Compensation and Case Value: Your lawyer should help those involved in auto accidents to determine the highest amount of compensation that you deserve. Issues that relating to compensation include:
- Property damage
- Medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Disability
- Disfigurement
- Lost income from not working due to injuries
- Loss of companionship
Property Damage Assistance
Your lawyer should assist in both your personal injury and vehicle property damage claim.
Medical Bills/Lien Reductions: Your medical providers and insurers often have liens for medical expenses that they will seek from the lawsuit settlement recovery. Your lawyers should spend the time and effort to reduce the liens and medical expenses as much as possible. Every dollar that a lien or medical bill is reduced is a dollar that goes into your pocket.
Highest and Quickest Recovery: Your lawyer should have experience in your type of case so that they know the highest recovery that should be demanded (or that can be won at trial). Your lawyer also should work quickly so that your lawyer is never the reason for delay in payments to you.
Get Help With Investigating
Individuals involved in car accidents often hire an attorney to aid with the investigation, gather evidence, and help construct the case. Car accident attorneys may help identify damage to the car and injuries that are not always immediately noticeable following the incident.
Obtain Assistance With Navigating the Legal System
Navigating the legal system can be challenging for those with no prior experience, requiring an understanding of the different laws and how a court may interpret them, alongside filing multiple documents in the correct format, citing relevant legal precedents, and selecting evidence that the court is likely to deem as admissible. A seasoned attorney may be able to assist individuals with preparing their legal arguments and submitting their court documentation so they can focus on recovering from their injuries.Gain a more comprehensive answer to “Should I get a lawyer for a car accident claim?” and find out how a seasoned Georgia car accident lawyer may be of assistance by organizing a consultation with Hall & Lampros, LLP.
Gain Court Representation and Insurance Negotiation
After car crash incidents, the victims often try to obtain compensation through discussions with an insurance firm. A car accident lawyer can perform these negotiations on behalf of the injured party and may be able to identify when an offer is unreasonably low, helping the injured party obtain an appropriate monetary settlement. Moreover, if it is not possible to settle, a lawyer can provide a car accident victim with court representation and attempt to convince the court to rule in their favor.
Is It Worth Getting a Personal Injury Lawyer for a Car Accident?
As shown above, it is important to get a lawyer for any personal injury claim. Another important consideration is that there may be a time limit for filing personal injury claims. In Georgia, the statute of limitations for car accident cases is two years. Since these cases can take some time to prepare, auto accident victims may consider seeking professional assistance from an attorney to help them meet this deadline.
Should I Get a Lawyer for a Car Accident Claim?
Car accident victims can choose to file a legal claim independently, perform their own negotiations, and represent themselves in court. However, individuals may wish to consider hiring an attorney to help them with their personal injury claims, particularly if they are unfamiliar with the legal system and the level of compensation they could achieve in light of their specific circumstances.
What Is the Average Payout for a Car Accident?
The level of compensation an individual is likely to receive for a car accident claim varies depending on the circumstances of the case and whether they settle or go to court. Accepting a settlement involves less risk, but usually a lower amount of compensation when compared to a successful trial. Moreover, a case involving life-changing injuries would typically entail a larger amount of compensation in comparison to one concerning minor injuries.
With this in mind, the majority of these claims normally range between $10,000 and $25,000. However, some cases can exceed $75,000 or more.
Contact a Georgia Car Accident Attorney Today
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), almost 43,000 people died in motor vehicle collisions in 2021, with thousands more sustaining injuries. If involved in one of these incidents, you may consider reaching out to an attorney to help fight for your legal rights. Get a more detailed response to “Should I get a lawyer for a car accident case or can I represent myself?” learn more about Hall & Lampros, LLP online, and see how an Atlanta car accident lawyer from this firm can aid individuals with their claims by phoning (404) 876-8100.
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