Insurance companies are in business to make money. They want to maximize their profits. An insurance adjuster is trained to look at claims with keeping the best interests of the insurance company in mind; not yours. To avoid insurance companies taking advantage of you an experienced personal injury attorney is crucial to getting fair and adequate compensation.
Your Insurance Coverage Might Not Be Enough
Ideally, your auto insurance or the insurance of the at-fault party should cover the costs of the accident. If someone else causes the accident, that driver’s insurance should primarily pay to repair your vehicle and pay for the treatment of any injuries you suffered. Your insurance may also get involved if the other party is uninsured or underinsured.
However, if the amount you need exceeds the insurance policy limits or what the companies are willing to pay, you should seek legal help. A lawyer can represent you as the plaintiff in a lawsuit where you might be entitled to additional compensation to recover damages, including lost wages.
Attorneys Understand the Law
The legalities of car accidents and insurance coverage in such situations can be complex and confusing. To avoid insurance companies taking advantage of you or denying your claims, you should hire an attorney. Attorneys who specialize in car accidents have in-depth knowledge of the laws pertaining to these incidents. They also are experts in courtroom procedures, negotiation, and the tactics that other parties, including insurance companies, will use.
According to AllLaw.com, David Goguen of the University of San Francisco Law School states: “Your attorney can file a lawsuit on your behalf and will know how to respond to defenses raised by the other side. In addition, once your case gets underway, your lawyer will play an invaluable role in preparing your case for trial.”
There May Have Been Significant Injuries
Many car accidents are merely fender-benders that inflict little damage to the vehicles and only small injuries on those involved. Some accidents may not cause any physical harm to the parties involved. But when a car accident causes widespread injuries that require major treatment, it’s best to involve an attorney.
Using evidence from the accident scene and medical professionals, your attorney will determine how much money you’re entitled to receive from the insurance companies and from a lawsuit.
Always see a doctor after a car accident. As the online legal resource Enjuris points out, “Just be careful making this judgment of "no injuries" yourself. What may seem relatively harmless at one point may turn out to be an issue later.”
An Attorney Has Your Best Interests in Mind
Accident attorneys are ethically bound to act in your best interests and to protect your rights. An experienced attorney will fight to get you the best result possible. An attorney will be by your side at every step of the process, ensuring your voice is heard.
If you have been injured in a car accident, consider these factors and whether you need an attorney. You could benefit from legal help in ways you hadn’t considered.
If you need legal help after a car accident, contact the experienced car accident attorneys at Kennedy & Associates today.